Sitamau (Mandsaur district, Madhya Pradesh): Asha and Usha workers, whose organisation is called Asha Usha Sahyogini, went on strike from June 22 to press for their demands. They submitted a memorandum to tehsildar Tina Malviya. It was addressed to chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan. They have demanded pay hike and regularisation their services.
Organisation's district patron Shyam Sonawat said Asha and Usha workers who offer services round the clock get low salaries. “Even after shouldering responsibilities of health department, there are not entitled to pay scale, posts etc. They suffer financially and mentally,” he added.
The organisation demanded that while appointing Auxiliary Nurse Midwife, first preference should be given to experienced Asha workers. Arrangements should be made to open health centres separately. Separate expenses, allowances should be given to Sahyogini for going to the centre. “A salary of Rs 18,000 to Asha Sahyogini and Rs 15,000 to Usha workers should be paid monthly,” they said.
They further said that when Asha Usha workers go to hospital for deliveries, then a separate rest house should be arranged for them for overnight stay. In case of accidental death, assistance of Rs 10 lakh should be given and in case of normal death, Rs 5 lakh should be given.
