ASHA workers march to Chandigarh, police use water cannons
ASHA (Accredited Social Health Activists) workers from across Punjab gathered in Mohali this week, marching toward Chandigarh to push for fair pay and job security.
Their main demands include a monthly salary of ₹24,000, Employees' Provident Fund, doubled honorarium like Haryana's model, and other benefits.
Police tried to stop them with barricades and water cannons at the Chandigarh-Mohali border.
Why are the ASHA workers protesting?
ASHA workers are essential for rural healthcare: they handle everything from vaccinations to maternal care.
Right now, they earn just ₹2,500 a month despite doing frontline work across Punjab.
After days of protest (and similar rallies in Ludhiana), leaders say the struggle will continue if their demands aren't met.
Their fight is about respect and fair treatment for those who keep villages healthy.