NHRC’s ASHA to workers

National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on Monday called for reports from the Centre and the states on the working conditions of Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) workers. These frontline workers are demanding salaries, promised honorariums and safety equipment to discharge their duty amid the rising COVID-19 cases in the rural areas. 

ASHA workers had struck work for a day yesterday in support of their demands. 

Acting on a complaint that the ASHA workers are not getting their dues and safety equipment, NHRC has issued notices to the Secretary, Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, and Chief Secretaries of States to submit their reports, within six weeks, on the issues raised in the complaint. "If (the) allegations are true, it raises a crucial issue, as the rural health management system depends on the ASHA workers," quoted an NHRC press release.

According to the NHRC, the report sought by it must have information on the "number of ASHA workers; the quantum of salaries and arrears due; health protection measures taken for their protection; facilities being provided to the workers and their families and compensation promised in case of fatality during discharge of duty; long term health insurance/protection; social security/ protection facilities based on guidelines.'

The annual report of the National Health Mission for the year 2018-2019 states that the total number of ASHA workers in the India are 8,95,718, while the estimated requirement is 9,29,893.