Why in News: ASPs in Maharashtra demand better wages and recognition; plight mirrors ASHA workers nationwide.
Introduction
- Community health delivery in India relies on women workers such as Anshakalin Stri Parichars (ASPs) in Maharashtra and Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) nationwide.
- Despite their critical role, they face low wages, lack of recognition, and insecure conditions.
Issues with ASPs in Maharashtra
- Stagnant wages: ₹3,000/month since 2016; promise of ₹6,000 by 2025 still inadequate.
- Denied legal protection: Labour court acknowledged Minimum Wages Act applicability but left decision to State.
- No benefits: Lack of pension, insurance, safety gear, or travel allowance.
- Gendered neglect: Marginalised as poor, rural women → low visibility and political priority.
Parallels with ASHAs Nationwide
- Introduced under NRHM 2005 as community link workers.
- Classified as “volunteers”, not employees → only incentive-based, irregular honoraria.
- Repeated agitations for fixed wages, recognition, and social security across States.
- Burden of essential maternal care, immunisation, and disease surveillance without adequate compensation.
Structural Contradiction
- Women workers form the backbone of rural health care, yet their labour is undervalued.
- Work framed as “opportunity” but in practice → systemic exploitation.
Risks faced:
- Occupational hazards (snakebites while clearing grounds).
- Travel-related deaths during vaccination drives without compensation.
Way Forward
- Recognition of ASPs/ASHAs as regular government staff.
- Living wages in line with Minimum Wages Act.
- Social security benefits: pensions, insurance, maternity leave.
- Provision of safe working conditions and travel allowance.
- Building a resilient rural health system requires valuing its frontline women workers.
Conclusion
- To secure rural health is to secure the dignity and rights of women health workers. A just wage and recognition of their labour is essential for equity in public health.
