ASHA workers in Kashmir continue to remain underpaid, despite playing a vital role in the healthcare system. These grassroots healthcare workers are responsible for a wide range of tasks, including door-to-door vaccination campaigns, maternal and child health care, and nutrition counseling.
However, ASHA workers are paid on an incentive basis, and their earnings often fluctuate depending on the number of patients they see and the services they provide. This can make it difficult for them to make ends meet.
In addition to being underpaid, ASHA workers also face a number of other challenges, such as irregular payments, lack of job security, and inadequate training.
"We have not received our regular incentives for the last 6 months," said an ASHA worker from Budgam district. "Delayed payments are forcing ASHA workers across the country, who often come from poor and vulnerable households, into a spiral of debt."
ASHA workers have been demanding better pay and working conditions for many years. In 2021, they staged a nationwide protest to demand a minimum wage of Rs. 25,000 per month. However, their demands have not yet been met.
The underpayment of ASHA workers is a serious concern, as it could have a negative impact on the quality of healthcare services provided in Kashmir..
The Jammu and Kashmir government has acknowledged the problem of underpaid ASHA workers, and has promised to take steps to improve their pay and working conditions.