Hans News Service Shadnagar

Leadersof the CITU and the ASHA Workers’ Joint Action Committee (JAC) have urged the state government to immediately address the long-pending demands of ASHA workers. They warned that a statewide strike would be launched on December 15 if the government failed to respond. As part of their protest, the leaders met Shadnagar MLA Veerlapalli Shankar and submitted a strike notice.

Speaking on the occasion, CITU district vice-president N Raju said that nearly 28,000 ASHA workers across state have been providing essential public health services for the past 20 years. Despite their significant contributions to maternal and child healthcare, disease prevention and Covid-19-related services, they continued to face low wages and lack of job security. He stated that ASHA workers currently receive a monthly honorarium of just Rs. 9,900, which has not been revised for the past five years, causing severe financial difficulties.

The leaders demanded a fixed monthly salary of Rs 18,000, along with PF, ESI and job security. Their other demands include Rs 50 lakh insurance coverage, Rs. 50,000 towards funeral expenses, and Rs. 5 lakh as retirement benefits. They also sought paid leave, maternity leave, medical leave and promotions for eligible workers.

Furthermore, they demanded that the minimum wage be fixed at Rs 30,000 under the Second Pay Revision Commission and that the two pending instalments of Dearness Allowance (DA) announced for government employees also be extended to ASHA workers.

The leaders urged the government to honour its promise of resolving workers’ issues under the people’s governance and take immediate steps to fulfill their demands. They reiterated that a statewide strike would commence on December 15 if their demands remained unaddressed.

CITU assistant secretary Saibaba, Srinu Naik and ASHA workers from various mandals participated in the programme.