Staff Reporter

ITANAGAR, Oct 10: Hundreds of Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHA) and ASHA Facilitators from across Arunachal Pradesh gathered in Itanagar today under the banner of the All Arunachal Pradesh ASHA & Facilitators Workers Union (AAPASHA & FWU) to demand immediate government intervention for fair wages, social security, and improved working conditions.
Addressing the rally, Rechi Yakum, General Secretary of AAPASHA & FWU, voiced deep concern over the prolonged neglect of ASHA workers’ welfare despite their vital role in the public health system. She highlighted that more than 6,000 ASHA workers and 352 facilitators in Arunachal Pradesh tirelessly provide essential healthcare services such as vaccination drives, surveys, and maternal-child care under the National Health Mission, yet remain deprived of basic entitlements.
“Our ASHA workers are the backbone of the community health network, but they are still treated as volunteers. They deserve respect, dignity, and a secure livelihood,” Yakum said, urging both the Central and State Governments to act immediately on their charter of demands.
In a memorandum addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and routed through the Deputy Commissioner, the Union sought several key reforms, including-a minimum monthly salary of `18,000 for ASHA workers, `24,000 for ASHA facilitators, and `30,000 for Block Technology Team (BTT) Coordinators. Inclusion of ASHA workers under EPF, ESI, and pension benefits, a `5 lakh compensation for any accidental death during duty hours, one-time retirement benefit of `10 lakh, Promotion opportunities for qualified ASHA workers to the post of ANM (Auxiliary Nurse Midwife), and Removal of the retirement age limit and provision of post-retirement support.
The union also demanded that uniforms be provided twice a year, resting facilities be arranged in hospitals, and travel allowances be ensured. They further called for the extension of benefits under the Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maandhan Scheme to ASHA workers aged 18–40 years.
Yakum reiterated that the demands are not merely about wages but about dignity and recognition for women who are the first responders in every village and health crisis. “We urge the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to listen to our voice — ASHA workers deserve justice, not just applause,” she asserted.

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

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