Home / Business and Economy / ASHA Workers Storm Health Dept HQ Demanding Fair Pay
ASHA Workers Storm Health Dept HQ Demanding Fair Pay
8 Jan
Summary
- ASHA workers protested at West Bengal Health Department HQ in Kolkata.
- Demands include raising monthly pay from ₹5,250 to ₹15,000.
- Workers seek ₹5 lakh compensation for death on duty and permanent status.
Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHA) workers staged a significant protest at Swasthya Bhavan, the West Bengal Health Department's headquarters in Kolkata, on January 7, 2026. Clad in their uniforms, hundreds of ASHA workers converged to voice their long-standing grievances after 15 days of a casework protest.
Their primary demands include a substantial increase in the monthly honorarium, aiming for ₹15,000 from the current ₹5,250. Furthermore, they are advocating for a ₹5 lakh compensation in the event of death while on duty. The protestors also expressed their desire to be recognized as permanent government employees rather than volunteers.
This demonstration follows over two weeks of boycotting work, with ASHA workers having submitted multiple requests to the Health Department. The protest highlights the ongoing struggle for better welfare and recognition of the essential services provided by these health activists across West Bengal.
