Hiring, training of ASHA workers put on hold statewide

Koppal: The state govt has halted the recruitment and training of ASHA (Accredited Social Health Activist) workers since March of this year, citing the need to align the programme with updated population statistics and national health strategies.
In a circular dated March 4, Dr Naveen Bhat, director of the National Health Mission, stated, "Following govt directives, the selection process for ASHA workers and their initial training is currently on hold."
He noted that ASHA workers were allocated across districts in the state under the ASHA programme, which must be executed in line with the current population, national initiatives, and technological advancements. There is a pressing need for the development of a new policy and state-specific training guidelines to clarify the roles and responsibilities of ASHA workers.
"In this regard, it has been instructed that a new selection process for the approved and vacant ASHA worker positions, excluding those currently employed, along with the initial training for the already selected ASHA workers, be initiated immediately and remain suspended until further notice," Dr Bhat added.
The govt's decision has faced significant backlash. A social activist from Ballari, Nagaratna, stated, "This order appears to be a retaliatory measure following the protests by ASHA workers in Bengaluru earlier this Jan, where they voiced their demands."
She further criticised the govt, claiming, "The intention behind this policy is to halt the recruitment of ASHA workers under the guise of new training guidelines." Nagaratna raised concerns about the fate of approximately 35,000 currently employed ASHA workers, questioning how they would receive updates if the govt's rationale is valid.
She insisted that, for the same reasons cited for their exemption, vacant ASHA positions should be filled and training for those already recruited should commence.
As a result of the govt's directives, the recruitment and training of already employed individuals have been halted, creating a sense of uncertainty among them.