Haryana Health Activists Launch Mass Protest Demanding Legal Recognition and Pay Hikes

Frontline Labor Grievances and the Struggle for Recognition

Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) mobilized across Haryana on Monday, participating in a nationwide call to action coordinated by the All India Federation. From Faridabad to Gurugram, members of the ASHA Workers Union submitted formal memorandums to the Union Health Minister, highlighting a sharp disconnect between their recognized community contributions and their current economic status. Although the World Health Organization has acknowledged their critical role, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, these workers continue to survive on honorariums rather than statutory salaries.

The protesters pointed to a contradiction in government policy, arguing that the 'Beti Padhao, Beti Bachao' initiative loses credibility when thousands of female health workers face systemic exploitation. Backed by the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), the activists are challenging the Bharatiya Janata Party-led administrations at both state and central levels to address a lack of dignified working conditions.

The 11-Point Charter and Looming Escalation

The current unrest centers on an 11-point list of demands designed to transition ASHAs from precarious voluntary roles to structured employment. Key requirements include:

• Immediate release of the ₹1,500 incentive increase previously announced by the Union Government for 2025.
• Establishing the National Health Mission as a permanent program with formal government employee status for workers.
• Statutory benefits including six months of paid maternity leave, 20 days of annual leave, and comprehensive free medical care.
• Fixing the retirement age at 65 and ensuring no worker is terminated before reaching pension eligibility.
• Uniform working standards applied nationwide to prevent geographic disparities in treatment.

Strategic Shift Against Privatization

Beyond immediate labor disputes, the union is demanding broader shifts in public health strategy. The submitted memorandum calls for an end to the privatization of government hospitals and public health infrastructure. Leaders are also seeking the total repeal of four specific labor codes, which they characterize as detrimental to worker rights, while demanding that ASHAs be officially brought under the protection of existing labor laws.

The roadmap for the agitation is already established. A state-level protest is scheduled for July 21 in Panchkula. Should the government fail to respond to these demands, the union has authorized a 'Jail Bharo' (fill the jails) movement slated to begin on August 10. Union leadership warns that the intensity of these actions will increase until their status as formal workers is codified.

Source: The Hindu — National