West Bengal ASHA Workers Detained Amid Protests Over Honorarium and Benefits

Thousands of ASHA workers in West Bengal protested on January 21, demanding a minimum monthly honorarium of Rs 15,000, insurance coverage of Rs 5 lakh for death on duty, and other benefits. Police detained many workers at Sealdah and Howrah railway stations to prevent their march to the Health Department headquarters at Swasthya Bhawan, Kolkata. Protests caused significant traffic disruptions in central Kolkata and Salt Lake, with some clashes reported during attempts to break barricades. The agitation follows a 38-day cease-work over pending demands.