Thousands of ASHA Workers Stage Flash Protest at Koti Crossroads, Hyderabad on 30 July 2024.
In a dramatic show of solidarity, thousands of ASHA (Accredited Social Health Activist) workers staged a flash protest at Koti Crossroads. These health workers, who play a crucial role in India’s primary healthcare system, are demanding the implementation of promised job security and better wages from the government. The protest, initially planned at Indira Park Dharna Chowk, was thwarted by the police, leading to the assembly of workers at Koti Crossroads.
ASHA Workers’ Demands for Job Security and Fair Wages
The ASHA workers, supported by the CITU (Centre of Indian Trade Unions), began their protest with a sit-in at Indira Park Dharna Chowk. They demanded the immediate fulfillment of job security promises made by the Congress government. The workers’ frustration peaked as the police arrested those attempting to march towards the Assembly. Leaders of the employee union accused the government of neglecting their promises and highlighted the dire financial conditions faced by the workers due to inadequate salaries.
Police Intervene in ASHA Workers’ Protests
As ASHA workers from various districts converged at the Assembly, police intervention led to mass arrests, sparking further tension. Despite these obstacles, the workers remained undeterred, staging a flash protest at Koti Crossroads. Chanting slogans against the government, they vowed not to disperse until their demands were met. Similar scenes unfolded with village panchayat workers, who were also stopped and arrested by the police.
Crucial Role of ASHA Workers in Primary Health Centers
ASHA workers are essential in providing healthcare services across urban and rural areas. They visit disease-prone areas to collect data for healthcare providers, create lists of children aged 0-5, and support pregnant women and patients. In the district, 660 ASHA workers operate across 17 primary health centers, four urban health centers, three slum clinics, 146 sub-centers, and nine 24-hour health centers. Despite their critical role, ASHA workers lament the lack of basic wages and the increasing workload without proportional compensation.
Calls for Legislative Action and Budget Allocation
In their recent actions, ASHA workers have besieged MLAs’ homes, urging the Assembly to address their issues and allocate a special budget. The state committee called for a mass rally in Hyderabad on the 30th as part of their ongoing protests. The workers demand the implementation of promises made by the Health Commissioner in February, including insurance, retirement benefits, and a minimum monthly wage of Rs. 18,000.
Continuous Struggles Without Leave
ASHA workers, who work tirelessly from morning till night without leave, face mounting workloads and stagnant wages. Despite previous protests and strikes during the BRS government, only superficial agreements were made. The workers were promised measures like pending PRCs, arrears, and COVID-19 risk allowances, which remain unfulfilled. The workers now urge the current Congress government to honor the promises made and improve their working conditions.
Insurance and Retirement Benefits for ASHA Workers
The workers call for the immediate issuance of a government order providing Rs. 50 lakh insurance coverage for each ASHA worker and Rs. 5 lakh retirement benefits. They also demand half of their wages be paid as a pension. Pending registers should be printed and distributed promptly.
Need for Promotions and Medical Leave
ASHA workers seek six months of medical leave with pay and promotions to ANM (Auxiliary Nurse Midwife) and GN (General Nursing) positions. They demand the immediate payment of six months’ PRC arrears from July to December 2021 and measures to curb harassment by officials.
Supporting the Fight for Workers’ Rights
CITU district secretary Ranjit Kumar vowed to support the ASHA workers’ fight for their rights, emphasizing the need for wage hikes in line with rising living costs. He called for the allocation of a budget for ASHA workers in the current Assembly sessions and the prompt resolution of pending issues.