Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Feb 3: Accusing the Omar Abdullah-led Government of ignoring their long-pending demands, ASHA workers from different parts of Kashmir today staged a protest here, seeking a hike in their monthly incentives and implementation of the Minimum Wages Act.
A number of ASHA workers gathered at the Press Enclave, holding placards and banners to highlight their grievances.
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The protesters said that despite performing duties across multiple departments and taking on responsibilities far beyond their designated roles, they are paid a paltry amount in the name of incentives.
Shaheena Akhtar, President of the All J&K ASHA Workers Organisation, termed the amount “grossly inadequate” considering the nature and volume of work.
“We are getting peanuts as incentives, which is nothing compared to the workload. We met the Chief Minister and the Lieutenant Governor, who assured us of necessary action, but more than a year has passed and nothing has been done,” she said.
Notably, according to the workers, J&K has a total of 14,880 ASHAs, who form the backbone of grassroots healthcare delivery, especially in the rural areas. Currently, they receive just Rs 2,000 per month as incentives.
Akhtar said ASHA workers were initially assigned responsibilities limited to mother and child care, but are now performing almost every task handled by permanent employees drawing much higher salaries.
“We work day and night, handling both online and offline duties, yet our contribution continues to be undervalued,” she said, demanding a substantial hike in incentives and the provision of mobile phones to facilitate their work.
The protesters said their critical role in the healthcare system was being consistently overlooked despite repeated assurances by the authorities.
They expressed hope that the ongoing Budget Session would bring long-awaited relief.
“Leaders, including the Prime Minister and Members of Parliament, frequently praise our work, but when it comes to welfare measures, nothing is done,” Akhtar said, taking a dig at the Government for increasing legislators’ salaries while neglecting ASHA workers.
Warning of intensified agitation if their demands are not addressed in the current budget, the protesters urged the Government to announce a significant wage hike along with social security benefits, citing rising living costs and mounting financial hardships.
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