SHILLONG: The Meghalaya ASHA Workers’ Union which consisted of more than 7000 members staged a hunger strike in the city on Tuesday to press for its various demands. Later they called it off after assurance was given of releasing their 50 percent arrear before Christmas.
Later, in the evening, a delegation of the union met Chief Minister to apprise him of their grievances. It is demanding from the State Government to give a fixed honorarium to all ASHA workers over and above programme based efforts,
The union’s president, Sorilang Marboh also said that the incentives due to them under the Meghalaya Maternity Benefit scheme and arrears should be released besides immediate implementation of ASHA benefit scheme. They also want all statutory benefits including leave to every ASHA worker.
Marboh added that though they have called off the strike on Tuesday they will have a meeting to discuss their future course of action on Wednesday.
She also said that the Chief Minister while assuring to pay 50 percent arrears before Christmas has also committed that the remaining arrears and benefits will be extended to them before the financial year ends.
Earlier in the day, UDP leader who is party candidate for the Lok Sabha elections Jemino Mawthoh also visited the agitating ASHA workers to express his solidarity with them.
Meanwhile, more than 300 ASHA workers are sheltered at Raid Laban Sport Social Cultural organization community hall behind Sankardev College which which was initiated by local representatives Ricky Shullai and Sanbor Shullai with the support of Hynniewtrep Youth Council (HYC).
