NHRC Holds Meeting on Empowering ASHAs, Calls for Better Wages and Working Conditions

New Delhi: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), India, organized a core group meeting on women’s rights, focusing on the theme “Empowering Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs): Securing the Right to Work with Dignity.” Held in hybrid mode at NHRC’s headquarters in New Delhi, the meeting was chaired by NHRC Chairperson Justice V. Ramasubramanian, with the presence of Member Justice (Dr) Bidyut Ranjan Sarangi, Secretary General Bharat Lal, senior officials, domain experts, and ASHA workers.

Justice Ramasubramanian emphasized the significant contributions of ASHAs in strengthening India’s healthcare system over the past two decades. He acknowledged their crucial role in reducing neonatal and infant mortality rates and pointed out that ASHAs serve as an example of how individuals without formal education can be trained into skilled workers. However, he also addressed concerns about their remuneration, stating that those who contribute the most often receive the least. He highlighted the need for a structured policy framework to ensure ASHAs receive fair wages and better working conditions. Given that public health and minimum wage regulations fall under State jurisdiction, while population control and family planning are on the Concurrent List, he stressed the importance of collaborative efforts between the Centre and State Governments.

Justice (Dr) Bidyut Ranjan Sarangi underscored the critical role of ASHAs as first responders to medical emergencies in rural areas, particularly for pregnant women and children. He called for greater recognition of their contributions through improved incentives, better compensation, and enhanced security measures to ensure their right to work with dignity.

NHRC Secretary General Bharat Lal set the agenda for the meeting by outlining the key challenges faced by ASHAs, the role of the government in protecting their rights, and the way forward in securing their working conditions. He noted that while the government has launched multiple women empowerment schemes, ASHAs continue to struggle with low honorariums, excessive workload, and lack of resources. He praised their efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic, which was acknowledged by the World Health Organization (WHO).

Senior officials from various ministries and organizations shared their insights on improving ASHAs’ working conditions. Among those who addressed the meeting were Saurabh Jain, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoHFW);  Pallavi Agarwal, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Women & Child Development; Dr. Shweta Khandelwal, Senior Advisor, Jhpiego India; Ruth Manorama, President, National Alliance of Women (NAWO); Dr. Sabiha Hussain, Director, Sarojini Naidu Center for Women’s Studies, Jamia Millia Islamia University; Vaishali Barua, National Coordinator, UN Women India; Dipa Sinha, Visiting Professor, Azim Premji University; and Surekha, Secretary, ASHA Workers’ and Facilitators’ Federation of India (AWFFI).

The discussions emphasized the need for policy reforms, financial incentives, and workplace protections for ASHAs. The NHRC reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for their rights and ensuring that their invaluable service to public health is adequately recognized and rewarded. The meeting concluded with recommendations to enhance their working conditions and financial stability, shaping future policies aimed at securing the dignity and well-being of ASHA workers nationwide.