Maradu municipality approves Rs 3,000 monthly honorarium for ASHAs
Kochi: In a significant move to address long-standing demands,
Maradu municipality
approved a monthly honorarium of Rs 3,000 for
Accredited Social Health Activists
(ASHAs). The decision was taken during an emergency council meeting convened on Friday and marks a crucial step towards recognizing the contributions of grassroots health workers.The move follows persistent protests and formal appeals by ASHAs, who sent letters to local self-government minister, principal director, district planning committee and other officials, demanding a hike in monthly pay.
The proposal was passed unanimously, except for one abstention by division 1 councillor and ASHA worker Shalini Anil Raj, who opted out of the proceedings.Previously, the municipality earmarked an additional Rs 2,000 in its annual budget as a special allocation for ASHAs. However, implementing this provision required both council approval and state govt sanction. The recent council meeting not only endorsed the proposal but also agreed to increase the amount to Rs 3,000 per worker per month."Ashas play a key role in Maradu's health services. When there is a collective struggle by them, we found it important to take an initiative to support them," said municipality chairperson Antony Ashanparambil. Earlier, Ashanparambil donated his monthly honorarium to ASHAs in solidarity with their protest in Thiruvananthapuram.He added that the resolution has now been forwarded to state govt for final approval and requested that necessary steps be taken to ensure immediate implementation of the decision.
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