Despite the presentation of the Union Budget, thousands of ASHA workers across the state expressed disappointment and anger as it failed to address their long-standing demands. With no clear announcement in their favour, the workers are now looking towards the state assembly’s interim budget for relief.
To draw the Chief Minister’s attention to their demands, ASHA workers from various districts gathered for a large rally and protest at Howrah Maidan on Wednesday afternoon. Holding banners, festoons and placards, the protesting workers marched around the Maidan, raising slogans that echoed across the area.
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The workers said that despite being the backbone of the state’s public health system, they continue to be deprived of their minimum dues. Protesters also stated that they have been observing a continuous work stoppage since December 23, pressing the government to address their concerns.
This movement has started with a total of eight demands, including a monthly salary increase. Earlier, they had also agitated on Kolkata's streets with the same demands. But even after all this, it has not been explained to them what their future holds.
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An ASHA worker participating in the protest said, "We go from village to village and perform all responsibilities from protecting the health of mothers and children to vaccination and family planning. But we ourselves are spending our days in uncertainty today. The government should value our labour."
Another worker's statement was, "Nothing was said for us in the central budget. Now the interim budget is our hope. If the Chief Minister doesn't listen to us, then the movement will become bigger."
The protesters allege that although ASHA workers play an important role in the state's public health system, their fair remuneration and social security have not yet been ensured. They have been working with meager honorariums for a long time. There was strict police surveillance around this protest at Howrah Maidan. However, the rally and sit-in protest proceeded peacefully. The ASHA workers are hopeful that the state government will consider their demands seriously. However, they also hinted that if their demands are not met, the movement will intensify further.
