ASHA workers plan protest against BBMP over honorarium dues

BENGALURU: Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) have planned to stage a protest against the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) over nonpayment of honorarium and incentives.

Amid the rising cases of H3N2, they health workers say they are struggling to create awareness. The ASHA workers association has decided to go on strike over pay differences, which could affect health services. The role of ASHA workers is crucial in creating awareness about taking precautions against diseases in both rural and urban areas.

The services of Asha workers are essential for delivery of health care services.

The ASHA workers have decided not to attend work until the salary arrears and honorarium dues are cleared. There are 248 wards and 198 primary care centers (PHCs) in the BBMP limits.

The ASHA workers say they have not been paid for three months and that even the incentives coming from the Centre have not been given. They said that not attending work may hamper awareness campaigns about diseases and some vaccination programmes.

Rama, vice-president of the state ASHA workers’ association.

“For the last 3-4 months, we have not received the central government’s incentives, and due to this, many we are facing issues. When we asked about it, the officials said they will process it, but so far, we have not received anything. We have decided not to work until we ware paid”, said Rama, vice-president of the state ASHA workers’ association.