ASHA workers submit memorandum to Union Minister Pralhad Joshi for minimum wage and social security

A delegation of the Karnataka State Joint ASHA Workers Union, affiliated with AIUTUC, met Union Minister Pralhad Joshi in Hubballi on Sunday and submitted a memorandum. According to a report by The Hindu, the delegation demanded that Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHA) be recognised as employees and provided with minimum wage and social security benefits.

Through the memorandum, the Central Government has been requested to increase the daily incentive amount for ASHA workers. In accordance with the recommendation made during the 10th EPC meeting held under the National Health Mission (NHM), it has been demanded that this daily incentive be increased to ₹3,500.

Additionally, ASHA workers have demanded that the lump sum benefit received at the time of retirement be increased to ₹50,000. The union has also demanded the immediate implementation of these proposed measures. The union argues that given the responsibilities undertaken by ASHA workers, they should receive better financial and employment-related benefits.

In response to these demands, Union Minister Pralhad Joshi assured the delegation that he would make sincere efforts to ensure the Central Government resolves the demands of the ASHA workers.

The delegation included District Vice President Bharti Shettar and District Committee members Savita Majjigi, Jayshree Vangari, Manjula Mankavad, Neelamma Soratur, and other members.

ASHA workers serve as a link between communities and the public health system in rural areas. Their primary responsibilities include promoting maternal and child health, providing vaccination facilities, assisting in institutional deliveries, and spreading awareness about various health programmes.