Union Minister heckled by angry ASHA, Anganwadi workers in Rajasthan

Dozens of Accredited Social Health Activists (Asha) and Anganwadi workers dissatisfied with central government’s 60% pay hike, heckled Union Minority Affairs Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi on Monday in Rajasthan's Alwar district after the Minister laid the foundation stone for an education institute.

The incident took place in Kohrapipali village when Naqvi reached there to mark the commencement of work for the institute meant for poor sections and minorities. The trouble started reportedly when the minister moved towards his vehicle even as women protesters demanding a hike in their monthly salary tried to stop him.

The police escorted Naqvi out of the function.

The agitated group said despite several requests made to Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje to increase the salary and other facilities, "nothing" was done.

"Everybody comes here only to ask votes, including this minister… they don't listen to our problems. We have been sitting in dharna from many days, said an Anganwadi worker.

"We tried to approach the Minister, but he remained silent," said another Anganwadi worker Pallavi Devi.

The Union minister, however, did not respond when asked about the incident.

On September 11, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that honorarium for Anganwadi workers would be increased to 60 per cent and the remuneration for Asha workers would be doubled from next month.

Social activist Nikhil Dey said the recent salary hike by Centre to 60% for workers and helpers is less than the minimum wage which is ₹200 per day. "This government has increased to ₹3,000 to ₹4,500 and ₹2,200 to ₹3,500…this still doesn't reach the minimum wage" he said.

For 10 days now, a large number of employees of various government departments of Rajasthan, including roadways, Panchayati Raj, others have refused to return to work, paralyzing routine government activity.

The employees have been mainly pushing for implementation of the 7th Pay Commission restoration of original grade pay.