ASHA workers stage protest demanding fixed ₹18,000 salary and fulfilment of promises

Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) workers staged a protest in Hyderabad on Monday, urging the State government to increase allocations in the upcoming budget session to provide them with a fixed monthly salary of ₹18,000 and resolve long-pending service-related issues. As the workers marched towards the office of Commissioner of Health and Family Welfare, few of them were also detained by the police.

Addressing the protest, Jayalakshmi, president of the Telangana ASHA Workers Association, said around 28,000 ASHA workers have been delivering grassroots health services to poor and marginalised communities across the State for nearly 20 years, yet continue to work without job security or assured wages. “Most ASHA workers are women from economically weaker sections and face severe financial stress due to irregular and inadequate remuneration,” she added.

Recalling the indefinite strike held between September and October in 2023, she said the previous government had made several assurances to address ASHA workers’ concerns. She added that the Congress party, during the Assembly elections, had promised higher pay and job security. However, more than two years after the Congress government assumed office, these commitments remain unfulfilled.

She said promises related to ₹50 lakh insurance coverage, ₹50,000 towards funeral expenses, and retirement benefits have not been implemented. In addition, arrears under the Pay Revision Commission, along with pending payments for leprosy surveys, pulse polio duties and election-related work, have been unpaid for years, worsening the financial condition of ASHA workers. The association has also demanded promotion avenues for ASHA workers who have completed ANM and GNM training.