Asha karmis, supervisors highlight step-motherly treatment of Dispur

GUWAHATI: The All Assam Asha Supervisor (Facilitator) Association (AAASA) and All Assam Asha Workers' Association (AAAWA) held a joint-press meet on Monday to address their various issues.

The press meet was addressed by AAASA president Phuleswari Saikia and on behalf of the bodies she questioned that why they have not included under the National Health Mission (NHM).

The Asha karmis and supervisors stated that they are being deprived of the benefits that are given to NHM workers.

"During the COVID pandemic, the Asha karmis and supervisors have been working tirelessly, however, they are receiving step-motherly treatment from the government," Saikia said.

Further, highlighting the plight of the Asha supervisors, Saikia alleged that 30 working days was allotted to the supervisors, however, since 2018, only 20 working days has been noted in written.

"Despite working for the entire month they have received remuneration for only 20 days. Even after 11 years of appointment the government has not given importance to the problems of the Asha supervisors," she stressed. Adding to Saikia's statement, AAAWA general secretary Anupama Rai said the Asha workers are the backbone of NHM but it is unfortunate that the government is not paying heed to their problems. Rai opined that the remuneration of the Asha karmis should be increased along with provision of insurance, job security, and timely health allowance.

The bodies demanded the government to release the arrears for the Asha karmis. Both the organizations underlined that they will stage protests if problems of the Asha karmis and supervisors are not addressed at the earliest.

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