Mangalore : Asha workers, under the aegis of Indian Asha Health Workers Association,   affiliated to the Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangha, staged a protest in front of the Deputy Commissioner’s office in Mangalore on December 5, Wednesday  in support of several of their demands. Asha workers are accredited health workers serving in rural areas under National Rural Health Mission and try to sensitize rurals on health and hygiene  aspects.

Sooryanarayana Rao, BMS State Organising Secretary, who addressed the agitators, said it was indeed regretful to note that the government has not evinced any interest in  fixing minimum wages for Asha health works until now though they play a very important role in rural areas.

Some of the demands placed forth by the agitators include regularization of services of Asha workers, fixing minimum monthly salary of Rs 6000,  to double the honorarium amount they receive now until their services are regularized, to provide health insurance facilities and to increase the travelling allowances.

Prior to the protest, a procession was taken out from BMS office to the DC office. A memorandum was also submitted to the DC on the occasion.

Vishwanath Shetty, District President of the BMS, Vijayalakshmi, District President of Asha Health Workers Union,  Parvathi, General Secretary, Vinod Bolmale, Convenor and several others were present.