Asha and Sangini workers in Uttar Pradesh's Ballia district have taken to the streets to voice their long-standing grievances regarding inadequate compensation and a lack of job security. These grassroots health workers, who form the backbone of rural healthcare delivery, are demanding official state employee status and a fixed minimum wage.
During a massive protest held at the district headquarters, hundreds of women workers raised slogans against the administration. They highlighted that despite working round-the-clock, especially during emergencies and vaccination drives, they receive meager and delayed honorariums that are insufficient to sustain their families in times of high inflation.
Demand for State Employee Status
The primary demand of the protesting workers is to be recognized as regular state government employees. They argue that they shoulder immense responsibilities, ranging from maternal health care to implementing government health schemes in remote villages, yet they lack basic job security and employee benefits.
Struggling with Low Wages
With skyrocketing inflation, the current incentive-based payment system has failed to provide financial stability to these women. Many report delayed payments and extremely low earnings, adding severe economic pressure to their demanding daily routines. Experts note that strengthening grassroots workers is essential for the success of public health programs.
"We work day and night, risking our safety to deliver government schemes to every household, but we do not even receive our dues on time. The government must grant us state employee status." — Malti Devi, Asha Worker Leader, Ballia
