West Bengal ASHA Workers Protest: Police Detain Multiple Workers During Marches to Swasthya Bhavan Amid Widespread Demonstrations (Watch Video)

Protests by ASHA (Accredited Social Health Activist) workers escalated across West Bengal on Tuesday, with several workers being detained by police while attempting to march to the State Swasthya Bhavan. The detained workers, part of larger demonstrations in Kolkata, Bidhannagar, Barasat, New Town, and Bolpur, are demanding overdue salaries, a hike in their honorarium, and better recognition for their crucial role in public healthcare. Police intervention at multiple locations led to scuffles, road blockades, and train disruptions, drawing attention to the ongoing frustrations of frontline healthcare workers under low pay and limited infrastructure.

Bidhannagar and New Town: In Bidhannagar, police detained several ASHA workers during their march toward Swasthya Bhavan. Meanwhile, in New Town, workers traveling by bus from Haroa were stopped at a traffic signal near the police station. Frustrated, they got down and blocked the road, causing heavy traffic congestion. The protesters reiterated demands for immediate payment of pending salaries and an increase in honorarium from Rs 5,250 to Rs 15,000. Authorities’ repeated attempts to prevent the marches highlight the tensions between workers’ demands and state administration’s handling of the protests.

Bidhannagar, West Bengal: A major development was witnessed during the ASHA worker's march towards Swasthya Bhavan, as several ASHA workers were detained by the police and taken to the police station while the protest was underway. The ASHA workers are demanding that their… pic.twitter.com/lyJRBdbu3e

— IANS (@ians_india) January 21, 2026

New Town, West Bengal: ASHA workers who were travelling by bus from Haroa to Health Bhavan to press for their demands, were stopped by Police at a traffic signal near the New Town police station. Following this, the ASHA workers got down on the road and blocked the traffic in… pic.twitter.com/3tBrqncoVr

— IANS (@ians_india) January 21, 2026

Kolkata Protests at Sealdah and Dharmatala: At Sealdah Railway Station, ASHA workers gathered for a rally, explaining that their protest centers on the insufficient honorarium and delayed payments. Police reportedly prevented them from proceeding to Swasthya Bhavan, citing unawareness of their plans. The workers then marched from Sealdah to Dharmatala, emphasizing their tireless efforts during health emergencies and demanding fair pay, job security, and recognition. Police stopped the rally near New Market, temporarily halting proceedings in the busy commercial area. Workers warned their agitation will continue until their demands are addressed.

Kolkata, West Bengal: ASHA workers are holding a rally and marching from Sealdah Railway Station to Dharmatala, stating that the protest is to press for their long-pending demands. They say they play a crucial role in the public healthcare system and have worked tirelessly during… pic.twitter.com/nT3RTqD7K1

— IANS (@ians_india) January 21, 2026

Kolkata, West Bengal: A rally of ASHA workers marching towards Dharmatala was stopped by the police near New Market police station. The workers were part of a protest demanding a salary hike and better benefits. The Police intervened to prevent the march from proceeding further,… pic.twitter.com/H49s5wsjeI

— IANS (@ians_india) January 21, 2026

An Asha Worker told IANS, "This protest is related to the honorarium that the State government gives us, that is Rs 5250, which is not enough for us. So, we have demanded for Rs 15000. We were scheduled to go to Swasthya bhawan but police stopped us, saying that they were not aware of our program."

Kolkata, West Bengal: On Asha Workers protesting at Sealdah Railway Station, An Asha Worker says, "This protest is related to the honorarium that the State government gives us, that is Rs 5250, which is not enough for us. So, we have demanded for Rs 15000. We were scheduled to go… pic.twitter.com/U1fVLMbslF

— IANS (@ians_india) January 21, 2026

Barasat and Bolpur Incidents: In Barasat, female ASHA workers were intercepted by Government Railway Police while attempting to board a train to Kolkata, leading to a brief scuffle. At Bolpur railway station, police allegedly forced several workers off a train, some reportedly being physically dragged, preventing them from joining the Kolkata protest. The workers highlighted that despite being essential to the public healthcare system, they continue to work under extremely low wages and without minimum infrastructure facilities. Their continued protests aim to push the government toward fulfilling long-standing demands for better compensation and recognition.

Barasat, West Bengal: Female workers under the Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) scheme were allegedly stopped by the Government Railway Police (GRP) at Barasat railway station while they were on their way to State Swasthya Bhavan, Salt Lake to press for their demands.… pic.twitter.com/J9qw2ivXpQ

— IANS (@ians_india) January 21, 2026

Bolpur, West Bengal: ASHA workers were allegedly forcibly pulled off a train by police at Bolpur railway station while they were travelling to Kolkata to participate in a protest march and gherao of Swasthya Bhavan. The workers were demanding a salary hike and several other… pic.twitter.com/hA1PsEG3fg

— IANS (@ians_india) January 21, 2026

As the day-long protests unfolded across multiple districts, the standoff between ASHA workers and the administration remained unresolved. With detentions, halted marches, and disrupted travel, the agitation underscored the growing discontent among frontline health workers who say their long-pending demands have been ignored. The ASHA workers reiterated that they will continue their demonstrations until the state government addresses issues of unpaid dues, inadequate honorarium, job security, and basic facilities, warning that further intensification of the protest cannot be ruled out if no concrete assurances are given.