In spite of their vital role in healthcare system, accredited health activists (ASHA) receive little support from the State. More than 50 health activists gathered in front of the Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) office on Monday seeking payment of honorarium that has been pending for the last six months.
The activists, protesting under the banner of the All India United Trade Union Centre (AIUTUC), said that many of them had not received honorarium for the last six to seven months. They are also seeking an increase in honorarium to at least Rs. 5,000 a month and have requested the BBMP to issue them ID cards. "When we go to houses for pulse polio or immunization campaign, we are rudely questioned by residents. Having an ID card will protect us from this indignity," said Kaushalya Kumar, a health activist who works in DJ Halli. She added that while other government workers received at least Rs. 5,000 for their service, ASHA workers did not.
AIUTUC member Anumesh said that the Chief Minister had announced a special honorarium of Rs. 1,000 for all health activists in the State and the health activists hoped to receive this soon.
