Thousands of Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHA) workers staged demonstrations across Kolkata today, pressing for a fixed monthly honorarium of 15,000 rupees, enhanced insurance coverage, maternity leave, and improved working conditions. The protests escalated into clashes with police, causing widespread disruption in several parts of the city. Strict security arrangements were made in front of the Swasthya Bhawan.

 

When police prevented the demonstrators from entering, the situation turned into a virtual battlefield. Later, a delegation of the protesters held a meeting with the officials. After the meeting, the protesters stated that the government had assured them that their pending dues would be cleared soon, but no assurance was given regarding their demand of increasing the honorarium to rupees 15 thousand.

 

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and other opposition political outfits have strongly criticised the Chief Minister and the state government, alleging police atrocities against the ASHA workers during their protests.