Asha workers sport black badges to mark protest

AURANGABAD/NASHIK: The Accredited Social Health Activists (Ashas) and their supervisors in the state sported black badges to work on Monday to demand an increase in honorarium and fixed pay. The health workers are also seeking provision of proper protective gear as they carry out door-to-door screening in containment zones.
The work done by the Asha workers has proven extremely helpful in the containment of the Covid-19 pandemic.They also spread awareness about how to maintain hygiene, wash hands, wear masks etc.
According to Sachin Andhale, the Beed district president of Ashas and Gatpravartaj Mahasangh, as many as 72,000 Ashas and 5,000 supervisors in the state have decided to mark their protest by donning black badges from May 11 to 13 during work, as they cannot go on a strike during the pandemic.
In Nashik, Raju Desle, member of the action committee of Asha workers, said, “We had tried to make our demands heard through emails to the CM, but since we did not received an assurance, we had to carry out our protest.”
According to Desle, the monthly remuneration given to Asha workers is about Rs 3,000, which too is not fixed and puts them below the poverty line. “While the state government hires them and pays them remuneration, Asha workers are still not considered government employees. During these testing times, these workers are working selflessly,” he added.
The authorities working on Covid-19 containment have all repeatedly agreed that the work of Asha workers has been outstanding in door-to-door screening in containment zones. Aparna Thete, head of task force of Aurangabad Municipal Corporation said the efficiency, knowledge, pace and availability is proving to be a boon in the containment efforts.
According to Mangala Thombre, treasurer of the Aurangabad district Asha workers and health workers’ union, the Ashas are required to survey a minimum of 50 houses every day and carry out 14day follow-ups in the houses in containment zones. They are paid a meagre Rs 33 a day for all this work.
“The Mumbai, Pune, Yavatmal, Kolhapur and Nagpur municipal corporations have agreed to pay Rs 200 a day to the Asha workers during a pandemic. We have made a similar demand to the Aurangabad Municipal Corporation,” she said. She added that provision of safety gear in adequate numbers is also sought.