ASHA Workers Demand Higher Wages & Recognition
On 15 February 2024, Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) workers began a two-day protest at Lucknow's eco-garden. These workers want higher minimum salaries and to be officially identified as state employees. The Uttar Pradesh ASHA Bahu Kalyan Samiti (UPABKS) organised the demonstration, which brought together ASHA workers from across the state in Lucknow. During the rally, ASHA workers yelled slogans demanding higher wages.
They are campaigning for a minimum wage of Rs 18,000 for ASHA Bahu and Rs 24,000 for ASHA Sangini (supervisors), claiming that their existing salaries are no more than Rs 12,000. The workers have underlined the importance of medical insurance, citing their frequent participation in health systems and exposure to illnesses.
They want a combined compensation instead of rewards for various jobs to better support their families. They also seek recognition as state employees for their participation in numerous health and development projects.
Recently, nearly 20,000 ASHA workers gathered at Freedom Park in Karnataka for a two-day protest coordinated by the state's ASHA union. They sought improved working conditions and recognition for their important role. Fair compensation, the end of mobile-based employment without incentives, and formal employee status with benefits were among the key problems mentioned.
