KAPRA: Leaders of the Telangana ASHA Workers Union (CITU) strongly condemned the state government’s alleged undemocratic approach in suppressing the protests of ASHA workers. According to union leaders, a call was given for the “Chalo Hyderabad” program on March 28. However, in an attempt to prevent the protest, the government reportedly carried out preemptive arrests of ASHA workers and their leaders a day in advance. Condemning these actions, statewide protests and road blockades were organized. At a protest held at ECIL X Roads, CITU district assistant secretary K. Unnikrishnan criticized the government, stating that despite promises to safeguard democracy as part of its commitments, it has failed to uphold democratic values. Telangana ASHA Workers Union (CITU) state assistant secretary M. Revathi Kalyani alleged that ASHA workers who attempted to participate in the Chalo Hyderabad program were subjected to lathi charge by police. She further stated that the ruling party had promised a fixed monthly salary of Rs 18,000 to ASHA workers before elections, but instead of implementing the promise, the government has resorted to repression when questioned. She accused authorities of detaining women workers in police stations until late at night and treating them harshly. She also alleged that several workers were arrested from their homes and denied basic facilities during detention. Union leaders warned that governments that ignore workers’ struggles have historically faced public backlash. They demanded immediate fulfillment of election promises, including:
•Fixed monthly salary of Rs 18,000 for ASHA workers
•Reduction of additional workload
•Rs 50,000 towards work-related •expenses Insurance coverage of Rs 50 lakh
Special budget allocation for ASHA workers in the ongoing Assembly sessions They asserted that the agitation will continue until their demands are met. District leaders Radha, Yadamma, Komalatha, Manga, Kavitha, Praveena, and Latha, along with several ASHA workers, participated in the protest.