ASHA workers in Karnataka are preparing to commence an indefinite strike from January 7 at Freedom Park, insisting on fixed salaries and additional incentives. Despite their crucial role in providing healthcare services, approximately 42,000 workers claim they have endured years of unmet promises, delayed payments, and insufficient compensation from the government, despite numerous appeals.
In addition to requesting a guaranteed monthly stipend of Rs 15,000, ASHA workers are seeking a Rs 2,000 hike for those working in urban regions, citing the higher living expenses in cities. They also demand the immediate disbursement of pending incentives, which have been withheld for the past 2-3 months.
One significant demand includes the revocation of an official memo issued on November 28, 2024, requiring ASHA workers to use smartphones for their duties. Workers argue that this policy places an unfair strain on them, requesting either mobile task compensation or alternative solutions for those unable to comply.
Additionally, protestors are seeking a service pension of Rs 5 lakh annually, in line with provisions granted to workers in states like West Bengal, as well as yearly health check-ups and free treatment for critical illnesses.
Further demands include formal recognition of ASHA workers as employees with entitlements such as gratuity, provident fund (PF), and Employee State Insurance (ESI), reflecting the benefits offered to government staff.
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