HYC demands Govt to address grievances of ASHA workers

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJune 21, 2021

The Hynniewtrep Youth Council (HYC) has demanded the state government to immediately address the issues concerning the ASHA workers in the state.

In a memorandum to the Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Monday, HYC general secretary Roy Kupar Synrem said the Meghalaya ASHA Workers Union (MAWU) have time and again raised various issues of unpaid incentives as well as enhancement of honorarium with the state government which is sad to say are left unattended to the point that they are left with no option but to stage protest and strike.

The MAWU has announced an indefinite strike from June 19, against non-payment of their incentives besides demanding to increase their honorarium from Rs 1000 to Rs 5000 per month.

Terming the demands of the ASHAs as valid and logical, Synrem said the state government requires to take immediate action especially during this time where the service of the AHSAs is inevitable in the fight against the coronavirus.  

“They should be given due recognition and rewards for their services and invaluable role at the grassroots healthcare system,” he said.

Synrem said the ASHAs have been tasked by the government to conduct a door-to-door survey of the returnees, collect informations, check for symptoms and monitor the health and wellbeing of people who are quarantined besides delivering them medicines and other kits.

However they are continued to be treated at subpar by the Government and they are not being recognised for their hardwork and dedication and most importantly are not being paid their dues for years altogether besides being paid a meagre sum as an honorarium, he added.