Protest by asha workers intensifies at freedom park
Bengaluru : Hundreds of ASHA workers staged a massive protest at Freedom Park in Bengaluru on Friday, demanding an increase in honorarium and immediate withdrawal of the government’s decision to terminate thousands of workers. The protest saw participation from ASHA workers representing multiple districts across Karnataka.
The protesting workers, who play a crucial role in delivering grassroots healthcare services, expressed strong dissatisfaction with the state government’s policies. They said ASHA workers serve as the backbone of the public health system, particularly in rural and underserved urban areas, by assisting in maternal care, immunisation drives, disease surveillance, and community health awareness.
The workers alleged that the government’s reported decision to terminate around 7,000 ASHA workers has created fear and uncertainty among frontline health staff. Protesters demanded that the termination decision be immediately revoked and the honorarium paid to ASHA workers be significantly increased, citing rising living costs and increased workload.
Rama T.C., Vice-President of the ASHA Workers’ Association, accused the government of failing to fulfil its earlier assurances. “During our previous protest, the Chief Minister personally assured us that our demands would be addressed. However, those promises have not been fulfilled. We will not remain silent based on assurances alone,” she said.
She warned that if the government does not act promptly, the protest would intensify across the state. “If our demands are ignored, ASHA workers from villages across Karnataka will launch a larger agitation, including a ‘Vidhana Soudha Chalo’ protest,” she added.
The protest remained largely peaceful but highlighted growing unrest among frontline healthcare workers, who have been instrumental in implementing public health programmes, especially during emergencies and disease outbreaks.
