By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, June 3: The Meghalaya ASHA Workers’ Union (MAWU) on Tuesday petitioned the state government to allot land on a lease basis for a transit home in Shillong and to enhance the fixed monthly incentives provided to workers.
In a memorandum submitted to Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, MAWU president Marajune Myrsing highlighted the challenges faced by Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) and sought government intervention for their socio-economic upliftment.
Myrsing noted that ASHA workers serve as the primary link between healthcare services and rural communities, playing a critical role in maternal and child health, immunisation coverage, and emergency response.
However, workers travelling from remote districts to Shillong for official training, meetings, and workshops face significant hardship due to the lack of accommodation in the state capital. According to the memorandum, these workers are often forced to bear additional financial burdens and face safety concerns while discharging their duties.
To address this, MAWU urged the government to provide suitable land for a dedicated transit home. The proposed facility would offer safe and affordable accommodation for ASHAs visiting the city for official purposes.
The union also called for an increase in fixed monthly incentives, stating that current remuneration does not reflect the rising cost of living or the workers’ increasing workload. Myrsing added that despite being the backbone of the grassroots health system, many ASHA workers continue to face financial difficulties.
The MAWU president expressed hope that the state government would consider these demands to improve the welfare of workers and strengthen Meghalaya’s overall healthcare delivery system.
