SHILLONG: Meghalaya ASHA Workers’ Union will continue their strike that began on August 20, protesting against the delay on part of the state government to release their pending dues.
President of the union, Sorilang Marboh pointed out that ASHA Benefit Scheme (ABS) and Meghalaya Maternity Benefit Scheme (MMBS) have been pending since 2014 and 2012.
Advisor of the union, Sonny Kharjana said they met Health Minister, A.L.Hek on May 10 last to apprise him of the pending dues.
However, in another meeting with the health officials, the union was disheartened as the officials did not assure them about the release of the money.
On the other hand, the union demanded the state share which is similarly given to Anganwadi, should also be given to them.
In the absence of ASHA workers, the union members claimed, the government was facing difficulties with regard to reaching out to people for Measles-Rubella vaccination.
Marboh further claimed the state government was at a loss as the ASHAs maintained that they updated records of births and deaths, eligible couples, infant and child deaths etc.
