7 months ago
ASHA Workers Protest in Kolkata
In Kolkata, India, health workers called ASHA workers protested because they want better pay and benefits.
They asked for a minimum of 15,000 rupees every month and insurance of 5 lakhs if something bad happens to them while working.
The police stopped them from reaching the health department building and set up big barriers.
The workers tried to break through, and there was a small fight.
The workers said they are not being paid enough to support their families.
The government asked them not to protest because it might cause problems.
The workers had protested before on January 8 and January 12 for the same reasons.
ASHA workers protested in Kolkata for better wages and benefits, including a minimum monthly honorarium of Rs 15,000 and insurance cover of Rs 5 lakh.
Police set up barricades and detained workers at Sealdah and Howrah railway stations to prevent them from reaching the health department headquarters.
Workers clashed with police, trying to break through barricades, and a scuffle broke out when one worker used a knife to cut ropes.
ASHA workers alleged they were not allowed to board trains to reach Kolkata for the protest and were detained while trying to board.
The West Bengal Minister of State for Health advised against the protest, citing law and order concerns.
- Who
- ASHA workers in West Bengal
- What
- Protested for better wages and benefits, clashed with police
- Where
- Kolkata, West Bengal, India
- When
- January 21, 2024
- Why
- To demand a minimum monthly honorarium of Rs 15,000, insurance cover of Rs 5 lakh, and other benefits
ASHA Workers
Police and Government
Protest and Demands
ASHA Workers
ASHA workers are protesting for better wages, insurance, and other benefits, including a fixed monthly honorarium of Rs 15,000 and a Rs 5-lakh insurance cover in case of death on duty.
Police and Government
The police and government have advised against the protest, citing law and order concerns, and have set up barricades to prevent the workers from reaching the health department headquarters.
Key facts
- Location
- Kolkata, West Bengal, India
- Date
- January 21, 2024
- Demands
- Minimum monthly honorarium of Rs 15,000, insurance cover of Rs 5 lakh, government job to a family member, and leave
- Protest Duration
- Since December 23, 2023
- Protest Locations
- Swasthya Bhawan, Dharmatala, Sealdah Station, Salt Lake Sector V
- Current Honorarium
- Rs 5,000 (allegedly not being paid fully)
Timeline
Kerala's Asha workers spark Kolkata protest.
Kolkata Ashas plan nightlong statewide protest, August 12.
Protestors set off, aiming for health department HQ.
Hundreds arrested mid-march, demands unmet.
Detention continues, pressure mounts.
Quotes
Nazma Khatun
An ASHA worker from Kandi in Murshidabad.
“The police's role has been terrible.”
telegraphindia.com
“We were dragged out and barricaded by police. There was a scuffle and two ASHA workers were injured.”
telegraphindia.com
ASHA worker in a police van
An ASHA worker detained in a police van in Calcutta.
“There are around 80,000 ASHA workers in the state like me. The police treated us like criminals. Mamata Banerjee will get a befitting reply to such an insult. Why, despite a promised meeting, did the state government go back on its word?”
telegraphindia.com
Sujan Chakraborty
A CPM leader.
“Police atrocities have crossed all limits. The movement and demands of the ASHA workers are just. People of the state are with them. Is chief minister Mamata Banerjee trying to turn Bengal into a police state?”
telegraphindia.com
Suvendu Adhikari
A BJP leader.
“The state has now reached the peak of oppression and lawlessness and raising one’s voice for genuine rights is considered treason here. Such oppression did not happen even during the British period.”
telegraphindia.com
Chandrima Bhattacharya
A Trinamool leader and state deputy health minister.
“There must be a political party behind this movement.”
telegraphindia.com
Sources
‘We were treated like criminals’: Police crackdown on ASHA pay protest - Telegraph India
ASHA workers protest in Kolkata for Rs 15,000 honorarium, leave and other demands, clash with police
Traffic congestion alert for Salt Lake, Sealdah, central Kolkata as ASHA workers intensify agitation
Bengal: ASHA workers detained en route to health department HQ amid plans to intensify protests
ASHA workers’ protest chokes city, traffic thrown out of gear
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