Govt neglecting ASHA workers, alleges Tarigami

Srinagar, Jul 16: State Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) president Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami on Tuesday accused the government of totally neglecting the women working as ASHAs, despite starting the National Rural Health Mission with much fanfare.

''The government must provide a dignified monthly honorarium to these activists who essentially act as backbone of the health structure in rural areas of the state, he said while addressing a day-long convention of ASHA Workers in Town Hall Kupwara. The convention was presided over by Jabeena, ASHA leader and representatives from various parts of Kashmir region attended it,'' the senior CPI(M) leader said.

He said the custom of paying poor compensation for extreme hard work should come to an end to protect the women folk working in different sectors in Jammu and Kashmir.

''ASHA's work in rough terrains of rural areas tirelessly and selflessly, despite all the difficulties they are confronted with. He cautioned the government to take serious note of the brewing discontentment among these workers and take necessary action for the immediate fulfilment of their demands, failing which, the national health mission may get affected badly,'' Mr Tarigami said.

He said in Andhra Pradesh, ASHAs are paid Rs 10,000 per month, in Sikkim Rs 6,000 per month, in Haryana Rs 4000 per month, in Karnataka Rs 3500 per month, West Bengal Rs 3000 per month and Kerala Rs 2000 per month. ''Besides, the state governments in various states are providing top up incentives and support to these poor workers but our state government has neglected them,'' he said.

Comment on this Story