Siliguri, 11th December: The workers of Paschimbanga Asha Karmi Union Matigara staged a road blockade in support of many demands, on Saturday. Also, a memorandum was handed over to the Health Officer at Matigara Block Primary Health Center.
Reportedly, the Asha workers staged the protest at Khaprail More, Matigara on numerous demands. Their main demands included arrears of wages, government recognition as health workers and many more.
Meanwhile, traffic congestion was created due to the demonstration. Matigara police reached the spot as soon as the information about the incident was received. An argument also broke out when the police were trying to remove the protesters from the road. Later, the Asha workers protested by gheraoing the Matigara police station.
According to the demonstrators, the workers have been working amid various difficulties for 11 years. Allegedly, no solution has been given to their problems. Hence, with no other option, they today took to the streets to draw the administration’s attention.
Paschimbanga Asha Karmi Union In-Charge of Darjeeling district, Namita Chakraborty said that the state government has issued an incentive allowance of Rs 4,000 and the central government provides medical allowances. However, the Asha workers have not received any such benefits in person to date.