Vishav Bharti
Chandigarh, April 13
Former Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi spent Rs 51 lakh on a mega function held in December in his constituency Chamkaur Sahib to announce fixed allowance of Rs 2,500 a month to nearly 22,000 ASHAs (accredited social health activists) and Rs 3,000 a month to 42,500 Midday Meal workers, but not even a single penny has been paid to the them so far. Both categories of workers were to be given enhanced allowance from January 1 this year.
On February 11, the Civil Surgeon, Ropar, wrote to the Director, National Health Mission, to foot the bill of Rs 51 lakh, including Rs 26 lakh on installing tents, Rs 7.41 lakh on food to caterer, Rs 2.24 lakh on sound system, Rs 45,000 on flower decoration and Rs 8 lakh to PRTC depots on the buses used to ferry the employees for the rally. There are 64,500 ASHAs and Mid-day Meal workers in the state, who are one of the lowest paid in the country. Besides, Channi had announced full maternity leave to all ASHAs and Mid-day Meal workers on the pattern of other government employees.
Saroj Bala, president, ASHA Workers’ Union, Punjab, said: “It seems the Channi government used us for its political goals. We travelled from across the state in Chamkaur Sahib for the rally in which the announcement was made. But we did not get receive even a single paisa,” she said.
All attempts to contact former CM Channi and National Health Mission Managing Director Kumar Rahul remained futile as they didn’t take call.
In Punjab, ASHAs get just incentives for various activities and they do not get any fixed honorarium. Neighbouring Haryana pays them Rs 4,000 per month.
Rs 51L spent on announcement event
A whopping Rs. 51 lakh was spent on a mega function held at Chamkaur Sahib on December 30 last year in which former CM Charanjit Channi announced fixed allowance of Rs. 2,500 a month to 22,000 ASHAs and Rs. 3,000 a month to 42,500 Mid-day Meal workers. Both categories of workers were to be given enhanced allowance from January 1.
3 months on, ASHAs, Mid-day Meal workers yet to get fixed allowance
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