Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 22 August 2025
A delegation of the Andaman & Nicobar ASHA Workers Union, accompanied by Mr. D. Ayyappan, Vice President of CITU A&N State Committee, met the State Programme Officer of the Andaman & Nicobar State Health Mission on Thursday and submitted a constitution of calls for regarding the welfare of ASHA staff within the Islands.
The Union demanded a major hike within the honorarium of ASHA staff, stating that they presently obtain solely ₹2,000 as fastened honorarium together with an extra ₹500 top-up from the UT funds. Expressing concern, the delegation highlighted that the latest ₹1,500 improve introduced by the Central Government would take impact solely from April subsequent yr, leaving staff financially strained till then.
The Union additional flagged a number of points confronted by ASHA staff. It objected to the follow of compelling ASHAs to work fastened hours at Primary Health Centres (PHCs) and Community Health Centres (CHCs), stating that such necessities go in opposition to the unique spirit of the ASHA scheme. They additionally raised considerations concerning the absence of TA/DA funds when staff are summoned for conferences or further duties, forcing them to spend closely on transport from their very own pockets. The Union demanded further incentives for the additional workload assigned to ASHAs.
Another main grievance introduced up was the non-disbursement of incentives to ASHA staff in North & Middle Andaman, regardless of repeated requests. The Union urged the State Health Mission to problem fast directions to District Health Societies and Health Department authorities to clear pending funds.
Responding to the delegation, the State Programme Officer assured the Union of immediate and sympathetic motion on the real calls for raised.
The delegation comprised Ms. Anbumalar, General Secretary, Ms. Sabida Banu, Treasurer, and Ms. Kalimuthu, Member of the A&N ASHA Workers Union.
