Overview
- In Kolkata on January 7, hundreds gathered at Swasthya Bhavan, breached barricades, and staged a sit-in as police locked the main gate and traffic was briefly disrupted.
- Protesters are seeking a fixed monthly honorarium of ₹15,000, a ₹5 lakh death-on-duty cover, clearance of pending allowances, recognition beyond volunteer status, maternity leave, and support for work-related mobile costs.
- After hours of agitation, authorities allowed 15 representatives to submit a deputation, and the crowd dispersed, though a partial cease-work in West Bengal has continued since December 23.
- The Meghalaya ASHA Workers’ Union said more than 7,000 workers will stop services from January 8 over incentive payments delayed for five to twelve months.
- Union leaders in Meghalaya warned the strike could be indefinite until dues are released, as political attention grows with parties highlighting ASHA pay and security issues.