SRINAGAR August 28th: The Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) voiced its grave worry over the fate of ASHA workers, who serve as the health system’s backbone, on Monday and accused the government of ignoring their requests.
In an effort to have their legitimate requests heard, ASHA workers have been protesting for some time now, and on Monday they held protests in almost every region of Jammu and Kashmir.
In addition to administering normal vaccines and doing other health-related responsibilities, these employees are tasked with conducting health surveys of local families. Due to a severe lack of personnel in the healthcare industry, NHM employees play a key role in connecting the public with their government.
The government should acknowledge these employees’ importance and take steps towards regularising their status. Workers in this category may be eligible for social security and pension benefits, as well as coverage under the Minimum Wage Act. Some employees reportedly have been given extra tasks, such as ticketing, which has significantly increased their workload and must be halted immediately.
In order to put “Nari Shakti” and “Beti Bachao, Beti Padoa” into practice, CITU requested the government give ASHA workers a living wage, provide them with cell phones, social security, pensions, and priority during recruitment of ANMs.
