Priyanka Gandhi Vadra Urges Centre to Recognise ASHA Workers as Formal Employees

By A Staff Reporter

Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra has renewed her demand for the central government to formally recognise ASHA workers as permanent employees, stating that the current system undermines the contribution of frontline women health workers across the country. In a post shared on social media, Vadra said ASHA workers continue to push for basic recognition and labour rights despite being key to India’s primary healthcare framework.

Calling them “the backbone of the rural healthcare system,” she said ASHA workers brave hardships and long hours to serve millions, yet continue to be categorised as volunteers rather than employees entitled to salaries and social security benefits. She noted that during the ongoing Parliament session, she questioned the government on whether ASHA workers will be regularised. According to her, the government reiterated that ASHA personnel are volunteers, which she described as a “grave injustice.”

Vadra argued that although they often work more than 40 hours a week, what they receive in return are honorariums that fall below minimum wage standards. She said the nation owes greater dignity, respect and economic security to women who carry a major share of public health responsibilities, especially in rural India.