CURRENT-AFFAIRS

General Studies Paper – II: Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice, and International Relations

General Studies Paper – III: Technology, Economic Development, Bio-diversity, Environment, Security, and Disaster Management

Context

The historical development of the labor market in India has occurred as a 'dual economy'. On one side is the organized sector, and on the other is a vast informal sector. In the past few decades, there has been an increasing trend of "Contractualization of Labor" in the Indian labor market.

• Center of Dispute: To save costs, employers appoint workers as 'contract' or 'volunteers' instead of 'regular employees'.
• ASHA Model: ASHA workers are the most unique and controversial example of this system. While they are the primary means of achieving government health targets, they are legally considered 'volunteers' and are deprived of rights such as statutory minimum wages and pensions.

ASHA Workers

ASHA stands for "Accredited Social Health Activist". It was implemented by the Government of India in 2005 under the National Health Mission (NHM) to deliver health services at the village level. They play a vital role in rural and urban health tasks, immunization, maternal-child health, awareness, and pandemic control. However, they are officially considered 'volunteers' rather than regular government employees—which has a major impact on their labor rights, wages, and social security.

• Eligibility: A married/widowed woman from the village itself, aged 25-45 years, who has passed at least 10th grade.
• Role: A bridge between the health system and the community.
• Responsibilities: Promoting institutional delivery, immunization, family planning, and rural sanitation.
• Expansion of Role: At the start in 2005, their work was limited only to referrals, but today they span across Antenatal Care (ANC), immunization, screening for Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), and management of digital health records (ABHA).
• Gender Dimension: This entire force of over 10 lakh is composed of women. This is a part of India’s "Care Economy" whose economic valuation is often overlooked.

Why in News?

Currently (January 2026), there are deep structural reasons behind the intense protests taking place in various states of India:

• Policy Breach of Trust: The non-implementation of the remuneration hike announced by the Central Government in July 2025 is creating a lack of trust.
• High Expectations from Budget 2026: Due to inflation, making a living on the current remuneration has become impossible, leading workers to insist on the demand for ₹15,000 to ₹28,000.
• Symbolic Protest: Writing 'letters in blood' in Uttar Pradesh and 'barbaric' police action in Kolkata show that this issue is no longer just economic, but one of 'Respect and Dignity'.

State-wise Inequality

Informal Workers in India: Economic Share and Challenges

More than 90% of India's workforce is informal.

• Contribution to GDP: The informal sector contributes nearly 50% to the national income, yet it is considered an 'invisible workforce'.
• Cycle of Insecurity: More than 82% of workers do not have a written contract. The lack of social security (pension, insurance) pushes them into the vicious cycle of poverty in times of illness or old age.
• Gender Inequality: Women in the informal sector receive 20-30% lower wages than men for the same work.

Constitutional and Legal Framework

There is no direct mention of labor rights in the Indian Constitution, but there are strong foundations in favor of ASHA workers and contract workers under the Constitution:

• Article 21: Right to live with dignity, which includes 'fair remuneration'.
• Article 39(d): The principle of 'equal pay for equal work'.
• Article 42: It is the duty of the State to ensure humane conditions of work.
• Judicial Activism: The Supreme Court has stated in several judgments that not paying 'minimum wages' is equivalent to 'begar' (forced labor), which is a violation of Article 23.

In addition, in accordance with international labor standards, the Government of India must ensure better compensation and protection for workers.

Government Initiatives

• e-Shram Portal: The first major attempt to formalize the data of unorganized workers.
• New Labor Codes (2025): These codes promise to bring 'Gig Workers' and 'Unorganized Workers' under the ambit of social security, but there is still hesitation in explicitly defining ASHA workers as 'workers'.
• NHM Fixed Incentives: The Center has increased the incentive amount, but it depends on the discretionary funds of the states.
• State Notifications: Some states have issued notifications to provide facilities like fixed monthly remuneration, allowances, maternity benefits, and pensions.

Global Perspective: International Labor Standards

• ILO Conventions: The International Labour Organization advocates for 'Decent Work' and a 'Social Security Floor'.
• Global Examples: In countries like South Africa and Brazil, community health workers have been integrated into the formal health system and have legal protection along with minimum wages.
• Developed Nations: There are strict laws to protect the rights of irregular workers in developed countries, including minimum wages, social security, health insurance, and pensions.
• Legal Framework: Europe, Australia, and Japan have a broad legal framework for the protection of labor rights, while in India, it is developing gradually.

In-depth Review of the Importance of ASHA Workers

• 'Invisible Warriors' of the Pandemic: During COVID-19, ASHA workers worked on the 'frontline' in high-risk areas. WHO's 'Global Health Leaders Award' is a testament to their global importance.
• Lifeline of Rural Health: The credit for more than a 70% decline in India's Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR) goes directly to these workers.
• Economic Impact: They not only improve health but also save families from poverty by reducing "out-of-pocket expenditure" on health in rural areas.

Way Forward

• Recognition and Definition: The term 'volunteer' should be removed and they should be defined as 'semi-skilled workers' or 'health assistants'.
• Uniform Payment Structure: A policy of 'One Nation, One Remuneration' should be implemented to end regional inequality.
• Social Security Shield: They should be compulsorily brought under the ambit of ESIC (Health Insurance) and EPF (Provident Fund).
• Career Progress: Experienced ASHA workers should be provided with reservations and bridge courses for ANM or nursing courses.

Conclusion

ASHA workers are the foundation of India's dream of "Universal Health Coverage" (UHC). Devaluing their labor in the name of contractualism is not only against constitutional values but also increases our vulnerability to future health crises. If India is to become a 'Developed India' by 2047, it must transform its informal workforce into a 'strong and secure workforce'.