SHILLONG, Feb 11: Disappointed over the failure of the state government to address their various grievances, Meghalaya ASHA Facilitators Union (MAFU) on Friday came up with their decision to cease work starting February 24 till the month of March.
“It is really unfortunate that the government is adamant on our various demands. We have a big responsibility since 20 ASHA workers are working under us. We are expected to act as a mentor, guide, and counselor to the ASHAs,” MAFU president, I Khyriemmujat said while speaking to the reporters.
According to her, the honorarium being paid to ASHA facilitators like herself is “too less” as compared to the services that they provide.
Informing that they are paid a meagre sum of Rs 300 per visit, for a total of about 20 visits in a month, Khyriemmujat laid down the intentions of their decision.
“We are demanding a revision of our pay. We also want the government to revise our honorarium every year as per government rules,” Khyriemmujat stated.
Speaking of the additional work the ASHA workers have to carry out regularly, MAFU advisor, Sony Kharjana added, “We are asked to work more than the days assigned with the same amount. We have to guide the ASHA workers and commute from one village to another, even hiring a vehicle at our own expense.”
However, Khyriemmujat recalled that while doing their duty during the heights of the COVID-19 pandemic, their pay went up to Rs 500.
But as of now, that has stopped as well.
It may be mentioned that the other demands of the MAFU include granting of medical allowances and reimbursement to the ASHA facilitators and their families, increase incentives for extra duties especially for COVID-19 and revision of rate of TA/DA per kilometre.