Challenges Faced by Anshakalin Stri Parichars (ASPs) in Maharashtra
The Anshakalin Stri Parichars (ASPs) in Maharashtra, serving critical roles in the rural health system, face significant challenges despite their vital contributions.
Key Issues
- Stagnant Wages: ASPs have been receiving a monthly wage of ₹3,000 since 2016, which has not kept pace with inflation.
- Lack of Benefits: They do not receive job security, pensions, safety gear, or travel allowances.
- Minimum Wage Act: A labour court in Nagpur recognized the need for ASPs to be protected under the Minimum Wages Act but left the final decision to the State.
- State's Assurance: The State has only verbally assured an increase to ₹6,000 by December 2025, which is still below the wages of multi-purpose health workers.
Systemic Neglect
- ASPs predate ASHAs and anganwadi workers but are often overlooked due to their socio-economic background as poor, rural women.
- Their neglect highlights a gendered and caste-inflected hierarchy in public health, where skilled work is undervalued due to the demographic performing it.
Protests and Broader Implications
- ASPs' protests are part of a larger movement, resonating with ASHA workers across various states.
- ASHAs, created under the National Rural Health Mission in 2005, face similar challenges of being classified as "volunteers" and receiving insufficient and delayed incentives.
- Both groups demand fixed honoraria, official recognition, and social security.
Structural Issues
- India heavily relies on women community health workers for maternal and child health care, immunization, and disease surveillance, especially in rural areas.
- Despite this reliance, these women are not recognized as workers entitled to minimum benefits and dignity.
- This situation is often framed as providing rural women "opportunities," but it results in exploitation.
Conclusion
To ensure the effectiveness of the rural health system, it is crucial to provide these women with living wages, safe working conditions, and stable employment.
