Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Sept 16: ASHA workers from various parts of Kashmir today voiced their grievances, demanding immediate implementation of the Minimum Wages Act.
The workers accused the administration of subjecting them to unfair treatment, asserting that their essential contributions have gone unrecognized for several years.
Scores of ASHA workers congregated at the Press Enclave, staging a massive protest to draw attention to their long-unmet demands.
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Maroofa, an ASHA worker hailing from Kulgam district, expressed her frustration, stating, “We should be receiving a daily wage of Rs 600, but instead, we are compensated a mere Rs 40 per day, which is significantly less than what laborers earn.”
She went on to highlight the stark disparities between ASHA workers in Kashmir and their counterparts in other states, stating, “ASHAs in different states receive adequate monthly wages, whereas those of us in Kashmir continue to endure bias.”
Another worker, Rifat Ara from Chrar-e-Sharief, emphasized that the ASHA workers urgently seek the implementation of the Minimum Wages Act without further delay, decrying the persistent injustice they face.
“We were appointed years ago, and now, in 2023, we continue to be treated unfairly. We want our demands to reach the Government so justice can prevail. We do almost every kind of work but get nothing. LG Manoj Sinha must ensure that our demands are met,” she said.
Rubeena, another ASHA worker representing north Kashmir’s Kupwara district, questioned the Government’s commitment to the “Beti Bachao” initiative. She asked why ASHA workers, who give their all in their daily duties, are forced to grapple with hardships despite their dedication.
“We receive a meager Rs 2,000 per month, and our workload is no less demanding than that of a patwari or any other operator,” Rubeena argued.
The ASHA workers issued a stern warning, declaring that if their demands are not met promptly, they will embark on a strike. “At the very least, we will halt our online work for now, and if our demands remain unaddressed, we will be left with no choice but to initiate a strike,” they affirmed.
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