Asha Workers Protest for Better Pay and Working Conditions in Telangana
Asha workers from across Telangana gathered on Friday to protest at the Jadcherla MLA camp office. Under the banner of the Asha Workers Union (CITU), they demanded a fixed salary of ₹18,000 and called for improved working conditions. The protest was led by CITU District Assistant Secretary Telugu Sattayya, who highlighted the long-standing challenges faced by Asha workers. The workers urged the government to fulfill promises made in its election manifesto.
The protesters demanded a minimum monthly salary of ₹26,000 and a fixed salary of ₹18,000 for all Asha workers. They also sought inclusion in Provident Fund (PF) and Employee State Insurance (ESI) schemes. Additionally, the workers requested career growth opportunities for those who have completed ANM training. Other demands included weekly holidays on Sundays, paid festival holidays, 20 days of casual leave, six months of medical leave, and maternity leave.
Insurance coverage of ₹50 lakh for Asha workers was another key demand raised during the protest. The workers also pointed out pending payments, including arrears from 2021 and unpaid funds for surveys conducted in 2022, 2023, and 2024. They requested the government to cancel unpaid targets and implement the promises made by the Health Department Commissioner in earlier meetings.
The protesting workers submitted a memorandum detailing their demands to the MLA’s PA, Congress senior leader Alwal Reddy, and Councilor Kummari Raju. State leader Savitri Amrutha, along with district leaders like Shivalila, participated in the protest. The leaders urged the government to address these issues during the upcoming assembly budget session and ensure justice for Asha workers.
