ASHA workers demand wage hike, protest at Kothi

HYDERABAD: Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHA) workers organized a major protest at Hyderabad’s Kothi Center on Monday, demanding an increase in their monthly wages to ₹18,000, as promised by Chief Minister Revanth Reddy during the election campaign. The protest led to heightened tensions, resulting in clashes with the police and subsequent arrests.

The ASHA workers, predominantly women, gathered in large numbers at the District Medical and Health Officer’s (DMHO) office in Kothi, voicing their dissatisfaction over unfulfilled promises regarding wage hikes. They emphasized their crucial role in the healthcare system and sought recognition and fair compensation for their services.

The protest escalated when police attempted to disperse the crowd, leading to scuffles between the ASHA workers and law enforcement. Several workers were detained, and one protester reportedly lost consciousness during the commotion and was promptly taken to a nearby hospital for medical attention.

Expressing their grievances, the ASHA workers appealed to the Chief Minister, stating, “Sir, you have a special affection for women. We are women too.” They demanded the implementation of the promised wage increase, along with benefits such as Employees’ State Insurance (ESI) and Provident Fund (PF), to alleviate their workload and provide financial security.

The Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) party condemned the arrests of the ASHA workers, calling for their immediate release. Former Minister Harish Rao criticized the government’s actions, questioning, “Is this the respect women receive in Indiramma’s rule?” He accused the Congress party of betraying various societal groups by not fulfilling election promises and demanded an immediate wage increase for the ASHA workers. Rao assured that the BRS would continue to support the ASHA workers’ struggle until their demands are met.

The protest at Kothi Center underscores the ongoing discontent among ASHA workers regarding their wages and working conditions, highlighting the need for the government to address their concerns promptly.

రాష్ట్రవ్యాప్తంగా ఆశా వర్కర్ల ధర్నా

నేడు చలో హైదరాబాద్‌కి పిలుపునిచ్చిన ఆశా వర్కర్లు

ఆశా వర్కర్లను రాష్ట్ర వ్యాప్తంగా ఎక్కడికక్కడ అరెస్ట్ చేస్తున్న పోలీసులు

ఎన్నికల ముందు రేవంత్ రెడ్డి తమకు ఇచ్చిన హామీ ప్రకారం రూ.18,000 జీతం ఇవ్వాలని, కోఠిలోని డీఎంహెచ్ఓ వద్ద ధర్నా చేస్తున్న… pic.twitter.com/pSb4bXlpt6

— Telugu Scribe (@TeluguScribe) March 24, 2025