Alleging government's negligence and decrying the same, ASHA workers have decided to strike against the Manipur government and concerned departments from July in order to fulfill their demands.
"We are also working for people and even respond to emergencies, however our grievances are always neglected", the workers said.
Hundreds of ASHA workers joined hands and conducted a convention on the theme "Major issues and grievances of ASHA workers of Manipur" at the Manipur Press Club on Thursday to discuss their plight and imbalance between the work they do and salaries they receive.
All Manipur ASHA Workers Union general secretary Paonam Asharani said that ASHA workers not only attend to women, including pregnant women, but also manage non-communicable diseases and numerous other responsibilities.
"We collect health data, respond to emergencies and undertake surveys without adequate safety measures but our grievances are neglected", said Asharani.
She said that the entire health management system of the vast rural population across the state depends upon ASHA workers from birth, immunisation and also polio vaccine, etc.
The compensation they receive is not commensurate with the work they do, she said, adding that they are not regular employees and that the state share was initially Rs 500 which was later increased to Rs 1,000.
The central government provides an additional Rs 2,000, she informed and added that the state government should increase its contribution to at least Rs 3,000 to make their total salary of Rs 20,000.
She also informed that there are around 4,000 ASHA workers in Manipur.
Chinglen Maisnam, faculty of Manipur University, said that women are the ones who suffer the most from tear gas injuries. Everyone is suffering, workers as a whole are suffering in Manipur. We need to look at the situation holistically, he added.
Imagi Meira convenor Th Sujata said that the BJP-led state government has failed in addressing the issues of ASHA workers. The state government is weak and the central government does not care. They claim they cannot do anything because they are weak, she said.
"We need to ask why they are in power if they cannot address our issues. These Ministers' excuses are completely unacceptable. We cannot even travel to Jiribam or anywhere else. The Congress should also address the issues raised by 10 Kuki MLAs", Sujata said.
The convention underscored the urgent need for the state and central government to address the grievances of ASHA workers in Manipur. The workers called for solidarity and decisive action to ensure fair treatment and adequate compensation for ASHA workers.
The convention was attended by former acting chairperson Khaidem Mani.
