Mon Dec 02 14:26:58 UTC 2024: ## Andhra Pradesh ASHA Workers Demand Special Allowance for Bhavani Deeksha Duties
**VIJAYAWADA, December 2, 2024** – The Andhra Pradesh Accredited Social Health Activist (AP-ASHA) Workers Union has demanded a special allowance from the state government for their work during the Bhavani Deeksha, beginning December 21st. The union claims ASHA workers have shouldered significant travel expenses to provide healthcare services to devotees without reimbursement for the past four years.
In a memorandum submitted to the NTR District Collector on Monday, the union highlighted the financial burden placed on ASHA workers. They point to the Dasara festival in October, where workers served for 15 days in three shifts, covering their own travel costs despite relying on a ₹10,000 honorarium. Union secretary A. Kamala stated that the workers’ travel expenses for both Dasara and the upcoming Bhavani Deeksha have never been compensated.
The union is requesting the Collector to intervene and secure special allowances, including Travel Allowance (TA) and Dearness Allowance (DA), for all ASHA workers involved. They have threatened to boycott the Bhavani Deeksha conclusion if their demands are not met.
First Piper 