The Andaman & Nicobar ASHA Workers Union, supported by the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), met the State Programme Officer of the Andaman & Nicobar State Health Mission on 21/08/2025 to press for an increase in honorarium and timely release of incentives for ASHA workers across the islands. The delegation was led by D. Ayyappan, Vice President of CITU A&N State Committee, along with Union representatives.
At the meeting, the Union pointed out that ASHA workers currently receive only a fixed honorarium of ₹2,000, along with a top-up of ₹500 from the Union Territory budget. They argued that the amount is far too low considering the workload, responsibilities, and expenses borne by the workers. Expressing concern over the recent announcement of a ₹1,500 hike in honorarium by the central government, the Union stated that the increase will only be implemented from April next year, leaving ASHA workers to continue with meagre pay for several more months.
The delegation also raised the issue of ASHA workers being compelled to perform fixed duty hours at Primary Health Centres (PHCs) and Community Health Centres (CHCs). According to the Union, this practice goes against the original spirit of the ASHA scheme, which envisaged ASHA workers as community health volunteers rather than full-time employees tied to specific hours.
Another major grievance discussed was the lack of travel allowance (TA) and daily allowance (DA) when ASHA workers are called for official meetings or assigned additional work by the Health Department. Representatives said workers often spend a significant portion of their income on bus and auto fares each month, adding further strain to their already low earnings. The Union demanded that appropriate travel allowances be sanctioned and additional incentives introduced for extra work beyond regular duties.
The delegation particularly highlighted delays in the disbursement of incentives in the North & Middle Andaman District. Despite repeated requests, payments for specific tasks performed by ASHA workers remain pending, leaving workers demoralised. The Union urged the State Programme Officer to issue necessary directions to District Health Societies and other concerned authorities to ensure timely clearance of pending dues.
Throughout the meeting, the Union stressed that ASHA workers are the backbone of community-level health services in the islands, playing a vital role in implementing national health programmes, supporting maternal and child healthcare, and acting as the first link between rural communities and the health system. Yet, despite their contribution, they continue to struggle with inadequate honorarium and insufficient institutional support.
Responding to the issues raised, the State Programme Officer assured the delegation that immediate steps would be taken to address the concerns of ASHA workers. The official acknowledged the genuineness of the demands and conveyed that instructions would be issued to ensure better support for ASHA workers at both district and state levels.
The delegation of the ASHA Workers Union comprised Anbumalar, General Secretary, Sabida Banu, Treasurer, and Smt. Kalimuthu, Member, along with CITU Vice President D. Ayyappan.
