ASHA Sevika Protest Begins in Mumbai Today: Key Demands Yet to Be Fulfilled

ASHA Sevikas (Accredited Social Health Activists) of the Mumbai Municipal Corporation are once again taking to the streets to protest for the fulfillment of their long-pending demands. The protest is set to begin today at 11 AM at Azad Maidan, marking a renewed phase of agitation after the promises made last year remain unfulfilled.

Last year, the ASHA workers had staged a 45-day-long protest, following which the Shinde government had provided written assurances agreeing to their demands. However, with no substantial progress seen in the implementation of those assurances, ASHA workers have expressed deep dissatisfaction, prompting them to resume protests starting today.

Key Demands of ASHA Workers:

• Immediate implementation of the decisions taken on July 29, 2024.

• Payment of minimum wages to municipal ASHA workers with retrospective effect.

• Timely disbursal of salaries, ensuring that wages are paid on the same date every month.

• Regularization of services by appointing existing ASHA workers to fill vacancies created by the retirement of health workers in the Municipal Corporation.

• Provision of identity cards and official appointment letters.

• Stationery and uniforms, including aprons, to be supplied regularly.

• Any decisions regarding additional remuneration for extra tasks should be made in consultation with workers and not imposed unilaterally.

The ASHA workers play a critical role in grassroots public healthcare and community welfare programs. Their demands primarily focus on better working conditions, timely compensation, and formal recognition within the health system.