Hathras ASHA Workers Protest, Boycott Vaccination Duties Over Honorarium Demand

ASHA workers staged a protest at the Community Health Centre (CHC) in Sasni, Hathras, on Thursday, demanding an increase in their honorarium and action on several other issues. The workers also boycotted vaccination-related work and other health department duties as part of their protest.

The ASHA workers sat on a dharna at CHC Sasni and raised slogans against the government and the administration. They warned that if their demands are not met, they will launch a bigger movement in the coming days.

The protesting workers said they are currently being paid only Rs 2,000 per month as honorarium. They said that at a time of rising prices, it is difficult to run a family with such a small amount. According to the ASHA workers, they work day and night and play an important role in the schemes and campaigns of the health department, but despite this, they are not getting an honorarium that matches their hard work.

During the protest, the ASHA workers boycotted regular vaccination work along with other departmental duties. They demanded an increase in their honorarium and a permanent solution to their other problems. The workers said that if a positive decision is not taken soon at the government level on their demands, the agitation will be expanded further.

More than 100 ASHA workers took part in the protest. Those present included Mithila Devi, Sushila Devi, Shashi Wala, Akhtar Begum, Sheela, Meena Devi, Najma Malik, Meera, Seema, Rama, Pinky, Mithilesh, Sunita Devi, Rakhi Devi, Mundra Devi, Saroj and Kusum Priya.

Responding to the matter, CHC Sasni Medical Officer in-charge (MOIC) Dr. Pankaj Singh said the memorandum submitted by the ASHA workers sitting on dharna has been received. He said their demands and problems have been conveyed to higher officials. Dr. Singh added that any further necessary action will be taken only at the higher level.