Mangalore:ASHA workers stage protest demanding better perks

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangalore, Dec 5, 2012: Accredited Social Health Activists(ASHA) staged a demonstration in front of the Deputy Commissioner’s office in Mangalore on December 5, Wednesday in support of several of their demands including regularization of services and government employee status to them. The protest was organized by ‘Indian ASHA Workers’ Association’, affiliated to the Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS).

Addressing the protestors, Sooryanarayana Rao,  State General Secretary of the BMS, accused the government of neglecting the interests of ASHA  workers  who are rendering yeoman services in rural areas by helping improve the health condition of people and sensitizing them on aspects pertaining to health and hygiene.

Vijayalakshmi, President of the Association said ASHA workers are greatly distressed owing to the failure of the government to  solve their problems. She said the  workers were finding it difficult to meet two ends with the meager honorarium provided to them.

The agitators demanded regularization of their services, status of government employees and also demanded an increase in their honorarium per month to Rs 6000. They also urged for medical insurance facilities.

The agitators  took out a protest march from BMS to the Deputy Commissioner’s office and later submitted a memorandum to the authorities.