ASHAs Stage Three-Day Protest Across Districts

Quick Summary

• Event: Hundreds of Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) initiated a three-day protest in Dharwad,Gadag,Haveri,Davangere,and Uttara Kannada districts on Tuesday.
• Reason for Protest: Demands include implementation of ₹10,000 honorarium for ASHAs from April 2025 and addressing other issues such as additional incentives for work.
• Background: the Karnataka Rajya Samyukta ASHA Karyakarteyara Sangha previously held an indefinite protest in January 2025 where the State government assured action but has yet to implement promised changes.
• Specific Grievances:

– Removal of 2,000 women facilitators and retiring ASHAs aged over 60 without compensation.
– Concerns over online data evaluation methods by the health department.

• Protests Locations & Leaders:

– Dharwad: March from Dr. Mallikarjun Mansur Kalabhavan to Deputy Commissioner’s office led by district sangha office-bearers like Bhuvana Ballari and Bharati Shettar.
– Gadag: Demonstration at Gandhi Circle by scores of activists.
– Haveri: Massive day-and-night dharna observed at district headquarters.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The protests highlight systemic grievances tied to healthcare workers’ compensation and welfare policies. Despite assurances from Karnataka’s government earlier this year regarding revised honorariums and incentives for ASHAs,delays in implementing these commitments appear to have fostered distrust among activists. Additionally, the removal of older facilitators without severance or alternatives raises broader concerns about job security and dignity for long-serving public health workers.

With increasing reliance on digital platforms like online data evaluation-a source of contention in this case-it becomes essential for policymakers to balance technological efficiency with ground-level realities experienced by frontline workers. Addressing these demands efficiently could carry implications not only for healthcare delivery but also serve as a precedent reinforcing trust between state authorities and grassroots organizations across India.

Read more at The Hindu.