ASHA Workers Demand Immediate Implementation of Minimum Wages Act in Kashmir

ASHA Workers Demand Immediate Implementation of Minimum Wages Act in Kashmir

VoM News Desk | September 17, 2023 | 06:36 AM IST | Jammu Kashmir, Kashmir, Protests | Follow on Google News

ASHA Workers Demand Immediate Implementation of Minimum Wages Act in Kashmir. Image/Daily Excelsior

Unrecognized Contributions and Unfair Treatment

ASHA workers from various parts of Kashmir came together to voice their grievances, demanding the swift implementation of the Minimum Wages Act. These dedicated healthcare workers accused the administration of subjecting them to unfair treatment and highlighted that their essential contributions have gone unnoticed for years.

Protest at the Press Enclave

Scores of ASHA workers gathered at the Press Enclave, staging a massive protest to draw attention to their long-unmet demands. Maroofa, an ASHA worker from Kulgam district, expressed her frustration at the current state of affairs. She lamented, “We should be receiving a daily wage of Rs 600, but instead, we are compensated a mere Rs 40 per day, which is significantly less than what laborers earn.”

Disparities and Unfair Treatment

Maroofa further emphasized the stark disparities between ASHA workers in Kashmir and their counterparts in other states, saying, “ASHAs in different states receive adequate monthly wages, whereas those of us in Kashmir continue to endure bias.” Rifat Ara from Chrar-e-Sharief also stressed the urgent need for the implementation of the Minimum Wages Act, decrying the persistent injustice they face.

Demand for Justice and Recognition

“We were appointed years ago, and now, in 2023, we continue to be treated unfairly. We want our demands to reach the Government so justice can prevail. We do almost every kind of work but get nothing. LG Manoj Sinha must ensure that our demands are met,” said Rifat Ara.

Rubeena, another ASHA worker representing north Kashmir’s Kupwara district, questioned the Government’s commitment to the “Beti Bachao” initiative. She asked why ASHA workers, who give their all in their daily duties, are forced to grapple with hardships despite their dedication. “We receive a meager Rs 2,000 per month, and our workload is no less demanding than that of a patwari or any other operator,” Rubeena argued.

A Stern Warning and Potential Strike

The ASHA workers issued a stern warning, declaring that if their demands are not met promptly, they will embark on a strike. “At the very least, we will halt our online work for now, and if our demands remain unaddressed, we will be left with no choice but to initiate a strike,” they affirmed.

VoM News Desk

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