ASHA Workers Protest in Bihar

IN response to the call by the All India Scheme Workers Federation under AICCTU’s Nyay Abhiyan (Campaign for Justice) scheme workers including ASHA, Anganwadi and Rasoiya (Mid-day meal) workers have been carrying on a week-long countrywide campaign for justice from 10 June. Under this campaign, demands are being raised across Bihar at offices and work places through slogans, posters and placards.

Protests were held across Bihar including Bhabhua, Rohtas, Patna, Jehanabad, Nalanda, Supoul, Khagariya, Samastipur, Muzaffarpur, Hajipur, Gopalganj, Sitamarhi, Eastern Champaran,, Western Champaran and Munger under the banner of the Bihar Rajya ASHA Karyakarta Sangh (Gope Group) affiliated to the All India Scheme Workers Federation. Protests and submission of memorandums were also organized at the Referral Hospital, Naubatpur and Bikram in Patna District; Tilauthu and Akorhigola in Rohtas; Manika and Mohaniya in Kaimur; Munger Sadar, Supoul Sadar, Motihari, Betiya and other places.

These protest programs will continue till 17 June.

ASHAs demand that in view of the government resolution No. 6A 789 dated 9 August 2019 (after the indefinite strike by ASHAs), all due arrears should be fully paid; ASHAs should be paid incentive amounts for corona prevention, home surveys etc. on par with other health workers, and bribery and corruption at local levels should be curbed and punished. The main demands of the protest are as follows:

    • Incentive/honorarium should be paid without delay to scheme workers.
    • Guarantee personal safety kits (PPE kit) to all scheme workers engaged in Covid-19 work.
    • Rs 10,000 Corona-Lockdown incentive for 6 months for all scheme workers.
    • Life insurance for 50 lakhs and medical insurance for 10 lakhs for all scheme workers engaged in Covid-19 work.
    • Government employee status and salary at par to all scheme workers.