District unit activists of Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs), under the aegis of the All India United Trade Union Centre (AIUTUC), staged a protest in Mysuru on Wednesday. They demanded the release of their pending honorarium and incentives, alleging that incentives for the past two months have not been released for work carried out under various health schemes, including detection of tuberculosis, leprosy, and non-communicable diseases.
Key Demands of the Protest
The protesters demanded the immediate release of two months' honorarium by the state government and two months' incentives by the Union government. They also sought the disbursal of incentives and honorarium on the fifth of every month, instead of the current practice of releasing them once every three to four months. Additionally, they opposed the government's decision to reduce incentives.
Other Grievances Raised
The ASHA workers further urged the release of component incentives pending for several months, an end to harassment in the name of performance evaluation, and a one-time retirement settlement for ASHAs who have retired from service. They also called for an increase in honorarium and incentives to Rs 10,000. Pointing out that the state government has increased the monthly honorarium of midday meal and anganwadi workers by Rs 1,000, they demanded a similar hike for ASHAs.
Warning of Intensified Agitation
The protesters warned that they would intensify their agitation across the state if their demands are not addressed.
