ASHA workers protest in Anantnag, demand pay hike, parity with other States

Anantnag, Oct 3: ASHA workers on Saturday staged a protest at the Sports Stadium in Anantnag under the banner of the Trade Union Coordination Committee (TUCC), demanding the fulfilment of their long-pending demands, including an enhancement in their monthly remuneration.
The protesting workers, raising slogans in support of their demands, said they have been performing crucial grassroots-level responsibilities in the healthcare system but continue to face financial difficulties due to what they described as inadequate remuneration.
The protest was led by ASHA Workers’ President Shaheena Akhtar and Trade Union General Secretary Muzfar Ahmad Ganai.
Addressing the gathering, the speakers said ASHA workers serve as an important link between the health department and communities, particularly in rural and far-flung areas. They said the workers remain engaged in various activities related to maternal and child health, immunisation, nutrition, awareness programmes and other public health initiatives.
The protesters demanded that the government enhance their monthly remuneration and ensure that their financial compensation is commensurate with the responsibilities entrusted to them.
“ASHA workers are performing essential duties at the grassroots level and often work in difficult circumstances. Their remuneration should reflect the nature and extent of their responsibilities,” the speakers said.
They demanded that the government consider their long-pending issues on priority and take concrete measures to improve their financial and working conditions.
The speakers sought parity with ASHA workers in other states, stating that the government should examine the remuneration being provided elsewhere and take appropriate measures to improve the compensation of ASHA workers in Jammu and Kashmir.
Several protesters said that despite being the frontline workforce of the public health system, ASHA workers continue to face financial uncertainty.
“We are working in villages and remote areas and remain available for different health-related activities. We want the government to recognise our contribution and address our genuine demands,” the protesters said.
The TUCC leaders warned that failure to address their demands would compel them to intensify their agitation.
They, however, said that the workers would continue to pursue their demands through democratic and constitutional means and urged the government to initiate dialogue with their representatives to resolve the issues.
The protesting workers appealed to the administration and the concerned authorities to intervene and ensure that their demands are considered at the earliest. (KNO)