Archive · 22 Jan 2026
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
- When
- January 21, 2024
- Where
- Kolkata, West Bengal, India
- 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.
- 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)
Sources
Bengal: ASHA workers detained en route to health department HQ amid plans to intensify protests
Traffic congestion alert for Salt Lake, Sealdah, central Kolkata as ASHA workers intensify agitation
ASHA workers protest in Kolkata for Rs 15,000 honorarium, leave and other demands, clash with police
ASHA workers’ protest chokes city, traffic thrown out of gear
