The detention of Andhra Pradesh ASHA Workers’ Union’s State General Secretary K. Dhana Lakshmi, along with many others, during the ‘Chalo Vijayawada’ protest has sparked condemnation from union leaders and the CITU. Ms. Dhana Lakshmi, detained for nearly 24 hours, stated that Commissioner of Health and Family Welfare J. Nivas responded positively to some of the demands made by the ASHA workers, including provisions for medical and maternity leaves.
However, demands related to salary hikes and retirement benefits are yet to be addressed at higher government levels. The police detained union leaders and ASHA workers who were participating in the protest, citing a lack of permission for the event. CITU State President A.V. Nageswara Rao, along with other leaders, was also detained during a dharna near NRI Hospital in Mangalagiri.
Despite seeking permission for the ‘Chalo Vijayawada’ program, the police did not grant it, leading to the detention of peaceful protestors advocating for the rightful demands of ASHA workers.