Srinagar, Oct 23: State President, Centre of Indian Trade Union, and MLA Kulgam, M Y Tarigami today said the government has “totally neglected the women working as ASHAs”, although it had started the National Rural Health Mission with much fanfare.He said the ASHAs are being asked to provide services to the community without being provided with proper wages and other benefits.Tarigami, who is also state secretary CPI (M) urged the government to meet the genuine demands of ASHAs.
Tarigami was addressed a rally held by the Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) under the banner of CITU at Sher-i-Kashmir Park, here today.Tarigami exhorted the ASHAs to strengthen their organization and join the “broader struggle” against the “anti-people” policies of the government.
The activists/workers called for making NRHM a permanent scheme, besides demanding government employee status for ASHAs.They also demanded enhancement and timely disbursement of salary, six hour duty per day, supply of special kits, social security benefits like EPF and pension, etc.
Addressing the rally, General Secretary, All India Federation of Anganwadi Workers & Helpers, K. Hemlata said that ASHAs “work tirelessly and selflessly, despite all the difficulties they are confronted with.”
“The government must acknowledge the contribution of ASHAs to the NRHM and the improvement of the health status of the poor, especially mothers and infants,” she added. Earlier J&K ASHA Workers Union held its 1st State Conference at Srinagar.The conference elected Misra Banoo as State President and Sunita Bagaht as State General Secretary of the Union.

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