Mysore/Mysuru: M. Umadevi, Secretary of the All India United Trade Union Centre (AIUTUC), has called for ASHA workers to be recognized as government employees and provided with appropriate facilities. She addressed this demand during the inaugural conference of ASHA workers in the city, organized by the Karnataka Combined ASHA Workers Association, Mysuru City ASHA Workers Association, and AIUTUC, held at a local hotel auditorium on Saturday.
Umadevi highlighted the critical role ASHA workers play in safeguarding public health. Despite the meager honorarium provided by the government, these workers remain dedicated to their service. However, the government has failed to adequately protect their interests and provide necessary facilities.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, ASHA workers risked their lives to perform their duties, earning recognition from the World Health Organization (WHO) as ‘Global Health Leaders.’ Despite this acknowledgment, the government’s lackadaisical attitude has left ASHA workers in a vulnerable position, Umadevi alleged.
Umadevi urged the government to absorb ASHA workers as government employees to ensure their social security. She also called for an adequate budgetary allocation to strengthen the public health system and a hike in the monthly honorarium to ₹15,000 from both the Central and State Governments.
Seema, Advisor of the Karnataka Combined ASHA Workers Association, and P.S. Sandhya, the State Treasurer, also addressed the conference. District Secretary of AIUTUC Chandrashekar, along with Shobha, Suneetha, and Komala of the City ASHA Workers Association, were present at the event.