ASHA workers stage protest in Vijayawada; government responds positively to demands

Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) from across the State converged in the city on Thursday (March 5, 2026) to participate in the ‘Chalo Vijayawada’ programme, demanding a revision of pay and other benefits. Later in the day, union leaders were invited for talks with government officials.

Speaking on the occasion, K. Dhana Lakshmi, general secretary of the A.P. ASHA Workers’ Union, affiliated to CPI (M), expressed concern over the increasing workload while the pay remained stagnant.

The government keeps introducing new mobile applications, and expects ASHAs to work tirelessly day in and day out without leaves, she alleged. “How can one work without a day’s rest? Except for maternity leaves, we do not enjoy any other types of leaves. No week offs, casual leaves, medical leaves and no festivals or national holidays for us,” she added.

The demands include grant of various types of leaves, increase in their honorariums from ₹10,000 to ₹26,000, reduction in the workload, provision of quality mobile phones and uniforms, increase in the number of ASHAs proportionate to the growing population, recognition of Community Health Workers as ASHAs and increase in their pay from existing ₹4,000 to ₹26,000. They also demanded provision of ₹20,000 for funeral expenses.

According to a press note from the department, Minister for Health, Medical Education, and Family Welfare Satya Kumar Yadav assured them that they will examine the proposal to pay ₹15,000 for funeral expenses and take steps to grant leaves in accordance to the norms prescribed under the National Health Mission.

Regarding their requests for a mobile phone and uniforms, the Minister responded positively, and also assured them that 1,363 vacant posts will be filled soon. “About the increase in pay, the Minister told us that the matter has to be taken up with the Chief Minister. We will wait for three months. If we do not see any progress in this period, we will launch protests,” Ms. Dhana Lakshmi said.