NHRC ASHAs for playing a crucial role in significantly reducing neonatal and infant mortality rates across the country.
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), India held a core group meeting on women’s issues in a hybrid format at its headquarters in New Delhi. The discussion focused on the theme ‘Empowering Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs): Securing the Right to Work with Dignity.’ The meeting was presided over by NHRC Chairperson, Justice Shri V. Ramasubramanian, and attended by Member, Justice (Dr.) Bidyut Ranjan Sarangi, Secretary General Shri Bharat Lal, senior officials, experts, and ASHAs.
In his address to the participants, Chairperson Justice Shri V. Ramasubramanian acknowledged the outstanding contributions made by ASHAs over the last two decades, significantly improving the country’s healthcare sector. He emphasized that their work has played a crucial role in reducing neonatal and infant mortality rates. He also noted that ASHAs have demonstrated that individuals without formal education can still be trained to become skilled workers. However, he pointed out a worrying trend: despite the increasing number of educated people, the number of skilled workers is declining, a gap that the ASHAs scheme is working to address. At the same time, he highlighted that ASHAs have expressed concerns about their pay not being reflective of their societal contributions. It is ironic that those who make the greatest contributions often receive the least recognition, and those caring for the marginalized are themselves marginalized.
Justice Ramasubramanian also stressed that public health and the establishment of minimum wages are within the purview of the State, while population control and family planning fall under the Concurrent List. As such, he called for collaborative efforts between the Centre and State Governments to resolve the issues related to ASHAs’ welfare. He further emphasized the need for a clear policy and practical steps to improve the working conditions and living standards of ASHAs.
NHRC, India Member, Justice (Dr) Bidyut Ranjan Sarangi emphasized that ASHAs serve as the first point of contact in addressing issues related to pregnant women and children in rural areas, often providing assistance before any medical consultation occurs. He stressed that their role as frontline workers should be more widely acknowledged, and they should receive appropriate incentives, compensation, and security to safeguard their right to live with dignity.