ASHA workers demand hike in salary, protest for hours

Tribune News Service

Patiala, September 29

Demanding hike in their salaries, hundreds of Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHA) held a protest march in the city today.

Reportedly, a minor scuffle also broke out between ASHA workers and the police when the activists tried to march towards the Chief Minister’s residence. Some activists claimed that they received minor injuries.

The protesters were stopped by the police force near the Polo Ground, a few meters away from the Chief Minister’s residence. Then they staged a dharna for hours. The workers raised slogans against the government for not fulfilling their long-pending demands.

Sources said the protesters gathered near the Patiala bus stand before they marched towards the Chief Minister’s residence.

Santosh, the president of Patiala ASHA Workers’ Union, said ASHA workers had been getting low salaries despite working for long hours. She said: “We are working 24x7 on Covid-related duty. However, we get only a small fixed salary. It becomes difficult for us to make both ends meet.”

Meanwhile, ASHA workers called off the stir after receiving a written assurance regarding a meeting with the Health Minister on October 5.

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