ASHA workers to join strike

IMPHAL, Sep 8
All Manipur Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHA) Workers' Union have said that they will join the nationwide strike on Sep 24 organised by various central trade unions demanding an amicable solution to the grievances of scheme workers.
A press release issued by ASHA Workers' Union stated that they had submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister through the Advisor to the Chief Minister laying down their 9 specific grievances on Aug 19.
Some of their demands include recognising ASHA workers as other health workers, payment of State incentives, honorarium and allowances, governmental and community recognition of ASHA workers as frontline health workers, allocation of state budget for ASHA workers etc.
It further said that ASHA workers possess limited legal rights as volunteers, receive meagre monthly compensation, minimal recognition and economic insecurity despite the multitude of volunteer works they have been involved in during and beyond the pandemic. As such, ASHA Workers Union made the decision to participate in the nationwide strike in a meeting organised by AITUC Manipur, joined by representatives of other scheme workers such as midday meal workers, Anganwadi workers etc.