ASHA workers call off indefinite stir after talks with Govt

The Accredited Social Health Activists, known as ASHA workers, tonight called off their indefinite strike after the state government agreed to some of their demands.
It was agreed to pay a regular salary of Rs 3,500, a housing loan up to Rs two lakh and other benefits to the Stree Shakti Unions, with which they are associated.
Thousands of ASHA workers with their children from different parts of the state have camped in the city since Thursday to press the state government for their demands.
They had taken out a huge rally in the city from Majestic - housing railway station and main bus stand - till Freedom Park today.

Speaking to PTI, Rajani K S, spokesperson of Karnataka ASHA workers Union, said the decision to call off strike was taken after a meeting with Health Minister K R Ramesh Kumar.
"The Minister agreed to most of our demands. Regarding the ASHA Soft (a web portal to register the services rendered), the minister said the flaws in the online application would be resolved in three months." They were also demanding scrapping of Asha Soft (a web portal to track the services rendered) and seeking permanent job, ESI and PF benefits besides other facilities.