Asha workers demand justice and fair wages

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru: Freedom Park became the epicentre of a critical movement by the Karnataka State United Asha Workers Association, AIUTUC from Tuesday. For over 15 years, Asha workers have been the backbone of public health, reducing maternal and infant mortality rates and raising health awareness. Their heroic contributions during the Covid-19 pandemic earned them national recognition, yet their financial struggles persist.

Despite government accolades, Asha workers face exploitation with inadequate pay and delayed incentives. The state introduced the “Asha Nidhi” portal to streamline payments, but technical issues have caused years of disruptions. Meetings with ministers, IAS officers, and health officials have yet to yield solutions, leaving workers disillusioned. Asha workers also demand government accountability for workplace accidents and reimbursement for mandatory smartphones purchased out-of-pocket. These devices, crucial for their duties, add to their financial burden. This neglect has forced workers to announce indefinite protests.

Dubbed "Pink Warriors," they are prepared to transform Bengaluru into a “Pink City” through united demonstrations. Asha workers are advocating for several key demands, including the consolidation of the state honorarium and central incentives into a fixed monthly payment of Rs 15,000, along with an additional Rs 2,000 for urban workers to address the rising cost of living. They are also seeking a retirement benefit of Rs 5 lakh.

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