Give more benefits to scheme workers: AITUC
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, July 03 2021:
All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC), Manipur State Committee has demanded provision of additional benefits to scheme (ASHA and Angandwadi) workers, who have been recognised as frontline workers for their contribution in combating the Covid-19 pandemic.
In a statement, AITUC general secretary L Sotinkumar said that the Narendra Modi-led government began utilisation of scheme workers in the fight against Covid-19 since January last year, but failed to provide them with their entitled benefits or any other social security benefits.
This is highly condemnable, considering 35 lakh ASHA and Anganwadi workers have been working tirelessly, sometimes even up to 12-14 hours a day to help identify positive cases and spread awareness about the pandemic.
However, many of them fail to get basic medical care when they are infected by the virus.
"So far, over 100 Anganwadi and 200 ASHA workers have died in the second wave.
Even with such shocking numbers, they are being denied medical allowances, risk allowances and even the Rs 50 lakh life insurance announced by the government.
As such, AITUC will extend its fullest support to the state wide protest called by the ASHA and Anganwadi workers affiliated with central trade unions on July 10 over the inhumane treatment meted out to them", he said.
The secretary further demanded recognition of scheme workers as grade -IV employees and distribution of their entitled honorariums.