Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Sept 27: A large number of Asha workers from various districts and tehsils, took out a protest rally and later staged protest demonstration and dharna outside the office of Director Health Services here today.
Asha workers from Udhampur, Kathua, Samba, Reasi, Rajouri and Jammu districts, under the banner of Asha Workers Union, affiliated with CITU assembled at Maheshpura Chowk, near Govt Medical College at around 11 am today and then took out a protest rally towards Directorate of Health Services near MLA Hostel.
Clad in blue uniform, a large number of them were carrying placards and banners in their hands depicting demands. They were also shouting slogans against the concerned authorities and projecting their demands. They were demanding recognition as workers, provision of minimum wages, dignity and better service conditions.
Senior leader of CITU Sham Parsad Kesar while addressing the Asha workers said that these workers have to collect information about the births and deaths in their villages. They also work with the village Health and Sanitation Committees of the Gram Panchayats to develop a comprehensive village health plan besides their routine duty. They have to work for at least 5-7 hours a day and the Government considers them as part time voluntary health workers as a result, these workers are not paid adequately for this work. They hardly get Rs 500 to 1000 per month and majority of them belong to BPL families. They should be regularized as Health workers and paid minimum wages as per the Act.
Om Parkash another CITU leader besides Sunita Bhagat president and Kanta Devi, secretary of Asha Workers Union also addressed the gathering and projected demands. They stressed upon the Government to enhance their emoluments/ wages and recognize their services.
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