Despite govt apathy, ASHA workers brave floods to serve residents

Accredited social health activists (ASHAs) are the invisible backbone of the state’s public health system—mobilising communities, delivering medical aid and standing firm in the face of every crisis. Yet, they find themselves battling not just floods and disease, but a

Even as floodwaters inundate villages and urban colonies, ASHAs are out in the fields, distributing ORS packets, checking on vulnerable families and offering first-line medical support.

“We are on duty even during the floods, but the government cares little about us,” said Balbir Kaur, an ASHA worker from a rural block. Her colleague Sukhdeep added, “We never step back from our duty, but it’s heart-breaking to be treated like we don’t matter.”

With salaries pending for over three months, 1,320 rural and 570 urban ASHAs, and 66 facilitators continue to work relentlessly in the district with many surviving only on meager incentives. Their dedication stands in stark contrast to the silence from the health department, which they accuse of “exploiting their services”, despite years of commitment.

Recently, under the banner of the ASHA Workers and Facilitators Union, dozens staged a protest outside the civil surgeon’s office, demanding the immediate release of pending wages, restoration of allowances and regularisation of their jobs.

“We’ve been serving for over 17 years. Some of us were retired without gratuity or pension. This is not just neglect—it’s exploitation,” said union leader Rajvir Kaur.

Kirandeep Kaur, president, ASHAs’ Association, said that despite their critical role during Covid-19 and now in flood-hit zones, ASHA workers remain underpaid, undervalued and unheard.

“Our demand is not just about salaries—it’s a demand for dignity, recognition and justice for those who never stopped showing up, even when the system failed them,” said Kiran.

“We are the bridge between healthcare facilities and the rural population. Instead of giving us a fixed amount every month in the form of salary, we are given only incentives for the services rendered by us. We have been demanding that our salaries be fixed on the pattern of Haryana,” added Kirandeep.