Major issues of CHWs

Contract Workers

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According to the press release of MOHFW (July 22, 2014) the contracted workers include Medical Officers, Specialists, Ayush Doctors, Staff Nurses, ANMs, Paramedics, District Program Managers and District Account Managers. In addition, ASHA Facilitators are also on contract.

Adequate funding should be allotted by MoHFW and suitable guidelines should be issued from the MoHFW to all the states and union territories for the following :

1.  All the states and union territories should regularize all NHM contract workers.

2.  Similar pay and benefits should be given for all the contracted workers within NHM in all the states.

3. All NHM contracted workers should receive social security under Employees’ State Insurance Act, 1948 (ESI Act), Employees’ Provident Funds Act, 1952, Workmen’s Compensation Act, 1923 (WC Act)

4.  Maternity Benefit Act, 1961 (M.B. Act) and Payment of Gratuity Act, 1972 (P.G. Act)

5.  All salaries should be linked to the inflation rate. Norms for increments should be devised.

6. There should be representation of NHM workers in all policy related bodies set up for regularization.