Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Oct 23: Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHA) workers today held a rally at Sher-i-Kashmir Park here in support of their demands.
During the rally the workers raised a number of demands that include NRHM to be made a permanent scheme, Government employee status for ASHAs, enhancement and timely monthly salary, six hours of duty, supply of special kits, social security benefits like employees provident fund and pension, adequate protection in the field and issuance of identity cards.
Addressing the rally, General Secretary All India Federation of Anganwadi Workers and Helpers, K. Hemlata said that ASHAs are crucial component of NRHM. She said that ASHAs are working for the betterment of health services for the benefit of the community at large.
“Despite all the odds the ASHA workers work tirelessly and selflessly. The Government must acknowledge the contribution made by the ASHA workers to the implementation of the NRHM and the improvement of the health status of the poor, especially of mothers and infants, in the country and concede their justified demands,” said Hemlata.
CPI (M) State Secretary and MLA Kulgam, Mohammad Yusuf Tarigami while addressing the rally said that the Government started the National Rural Health Mission with much fanfare but neglected the ASHAs. He alleged that the Government has failed in providing the basic facilities of health and education to the poor.
He urged the Government to take a serious note of the discontent among the ASHA workers and take the necessary action for the immediate fulfillment of their demands. He exhorted the ASHAs not only to strengthen their own organization but also to join the broader struggle against the anti people policies of the Government.
Earlier, Jammu and Kashmir ASHA Workers Union held its first State conference at Srinagar. The conference elected Misra Banoo as State President and Sunita Baghat was elected as General Secretary of the Union.
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