Meghalaya ASHA Workers Union (MAWU) Starts Indefinite Hunger Strike

A Reporter

SHILLONG: The Meghalaya ASHA Workers Union (MAWU) on Tuesday kick stared their indefinite hunger strike at additional secretariat parking lot demanding the immediate implementation of three of their pending demands.

The three demands included the state share (honorarium) for ASHA from the government of Meghalaya, ASHA Benefit scheme since 2014 and Meghalaya maternity benefit scheme since 2012.

Speaking to reporter general secretary of the ASHA workers M Myrsing said, “We have come here to stage a hunger strike as a sign to protest as we also want a fix pay.”

She said under the Meghalaya maternity benefit scheme if the mother gives birth at home with an assistance from the ASHA worker they are entitled to receive Rs. 500 and the mother Rs. 2000 however this is yet to be implemented.

“We have taken a decision that if the government does not fulfill our demands we will continue to stage this hunger strike even if we have to give up our lives,” she said.

She said that the ASHA workers have been working for the past many years and since the year 2012 the government has not paid their dues.

“If we ASHA workers if we fall sick and cannot submit our report we are not getting paid and this is very difficult,” she said.

When asked, she informed that the ASHA workers had also apprised the Health Minister on their grievances twice however nothing has materialized.

Stating that there are around 7000 plus ASHA workers across the state of Meghalaya, she said that many other colleagues will be participating in the hunger strike from other part of the state.

Also Read: Meghalaya News