Port Blair, August 21 — A delegation from the Andaman & Nicobar ASHA Workers Union, accompanied by D. Ayyappan, Vice President of the CITU A&N State Committee, met with the State Programme Officer of the Andaman & Nicobar State Health Mission to discuss pressing concerns affecting ASHA workers across the Union Territory.
During the meeting, the delegation highlighted the inadequacy of the current honorarium structure. ASHA workers presently receive a fixed honorarium of ₹2,000, supplemented by an additional ₹500 from the UT budget. The delegation expressed dissatisfaction over the delayed implementation of the ₹1,500 increase announced by the central government, which is scheduled to take effect only from April next year.
The Union also raised concerns about the nature of duties assigned to ASHA workers, noting that they are being compelled to maintain fixed working hours at Primary Health Centres (PHCs) and Community Health Sub-Centres (CHSs), which contradicts the flexible, community-based model envisioned under the ASHA scheme.
Additional grievances included the lack of travel and daily allowances (TA/DA) for attending meetings or performing extra duties. ASHA workers reportedly spend significant amounts on transportation each month, without reimbursement. The Union demanded that incentives be provided for additional responsibilities and that TA/DA provisions be formalized.
Furthermore, the delegation brought attention to the non-disbursement of incentives for ASHA workers in North and Middle Andaman districts, despite repeated follow-ups. They urged the State Programme Officer to issue immediate instructions to the District Health Societies and relevant authorities to resolve the issue.
The State Programme Officer acknowledged the concerns and assured the delegation that appropriate action would be taken to address the genuine demands raised.
The ASHA Workers Union delegation included Anbumalar (General Secretary), Sabida Banu (Treasurer), and Mrs. Kalimuthu (Member), who reiterated their commitment to advocating for fair treatment and improved working conditions for ASHA workers throughout the islands.
