Protest by ASHAs against govt. rationalisation enters second day

The protest by Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) against the termination of services of health activists in the name of rationalisation entered the second day in Dharwad on Thursday.

ASHAs staged a dharna in front of the office of the Deputy Commissioner of Dharwad demanding intervention of the district in-charge Minister.

Addressing the protestors, district president of the association of ASHAs Bhuvana Ballari said that the State government, which utilised the services of ASHAs for the past 17 years by involving them in the implementation of every programme, is now removing them from service in the name of rationalisation.

She said that ASHAs worked risking their lives during the COVID-19 period, which has been appreciated worldwide.

However, now, because of the wrong policy of the Health Department, the families of ASHAs are now being pushed to the streets, she said.

She said that although the indefinite protest was scheduled to start on March 17, it was put off following an assurance from the authorities about addressing the issue.

However, as no specific assurance was given to them during the meeting held on March 25, they have been forced to take the path of agitation, she said and demanded that Labour Minister Santosh Lad intervene and resolve the issue.

District vice-president Shantha Chavan criticised the State government in strong terms.

Office-bearers Sharada Tavarageri, Shobha Hiremath, Radha Kallur and others led the protest.