New Delhi, May 23 (UNI) Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday demanded the Centre to ensure better wages to ASHA workers and said they "deserve a life of dignity".
"GOI must ensure better wages and work conditions. ASHA workers deserve a life of dignity," he tweeted.
The remarks came as the World Health Organisation (WHO) awarded the Global Health Leader Award 2022 to one million ASHA workers for "crucial role (in) linking the community with health system and ensuring that those living in rural poverty can access primary health case services".
They were one of the six recipients of the award.
"India's 10-lakh strong all-women ASHA workers are our pride. WHO's award recognises their selfless service," Rahul Gandhi said.
"This visionary initiative of UPA from 2005 is the lifeline of our health infrastructure," he added.
Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi said it was a matter of pride for the whole country.
"The honor given to our ASHA sisters by WHO is a matter of pride for the whole country. The UPA government had appointed ASHA workers to provide health services to the last person in the villages and fields. At the time of Corona, the ASHA workers did this work in an unprecedented manner, without worrying about themselves," Priyanka Gandhi said.
Congress Spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala also demanded that their honorarium should be increased from the present Rs. 5,000.
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