Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (NJC)
Mangaluru, Nov 12: The Karnataka State Samyukta ASHA Workers' Association, affiliated with the All India United Trade Union Centre (AIUTUC), submitted memorandums to Dakshina Kannada MP Capt Brijesh Chowta, Mangaluru City South MLA Vedavyas Kamath, Mangaluru City North MLA Dr Bharath Shetty and the Mangaluru taluk health officer, urging them to address the long-pending demands of ASHA workers.
The association has announced a state-level indefinite overnight protest from November 17 at Freedom Park in Bengaluru, demanding a minimum monthly honorarium of Rs 15,000 for ASHA workers.
The association alleged that the state government had failed to fulfil its earlier assurance, made by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, to increase the monthly honorarium to Rs 10,000 from April 2025. It further pointed out that the state government's total increase in the honorarium over the past nine years amounted to only Rs 1,500.
Citing the example of Kerala, where ASHA workers receive a monthly honorarium of Rs 12,000, the association questioned why Karnataka could not provide better remuneration. It also referred to other states, including West Bengal, Maharashtra and Haryana, where increases in honorariums had been implemented.
Criticising the government's priorities, the association questioned why the government, which allocates substantial funds for guarantee schemes and road development, could not provide Rs 15,000 to ASHA workers, despite Karnataka's GSDP being approximately Rs 33 lac crore.
Other demands include the immediate release of pending payments and the provision of mobile phones to ASHA workers, who are currently required to carry out their official duties using their personal devices.
The association stated that ASHA workers had been continuously fighting for their rights and a dignified livelihood for several years. It also appealed to intellectuals, prominent personalities, farmers and workers to extend their support to the agitation.
The association warned that thousands of ASHA workers would gather at Freedom Park in Bengaluru from November 17 and continue their indefinite protest until the government responds positively to their demands.