Jharkhand’s budget session turned spotlight on women’s empowerment in healthcare as Health Minister Irfan Ansari unveiled a Rs 24,000 one-time payout for Sahiya sisters ahead of Women’s Day. Made on Friday amid assembly debates, the move responds to ongoing protests by these vital community workers.
MLA Nirmal Mahto brought attention to the Sahiya sisters’ dharna outside the legislature, demanding regular payments. Ansari’s announcement effectively settles a year’s pending amount, signaling government responsiveness to their plight.
Sahiya sisters, often the first point of contact for rural health needs, have long advocated for fair compensation. This lump sum is poised to provide much-needed financial stability, honoring their tireless efforts in vaccination drives, nutrition programs, and maternal care.
Shifting focus, assembly members raised alarms over MGM Hospital in Jamshedpur. Saryu Roy detailed how water scarcity has crippled operations, forcing operation cancellations. Women legislator Purnima Devi added that female patients endure undue hardships due to missing facilities.
The minister detailed remedial steps: alternative water sources are operational, funds allocated for a treatment plant, and full resolution expected in six months. He vowed accountability for any lapses in women’s care.
Local MLA Mangal Kalindi suggested leveraging Tata Steel’s resources from Dimna Lake for sustainable supply. Ansari affirmed priority resolution for both Sahiya payments and hospital woes, aiming for systemic health improvements.
As debates wrapped, optimism prevails for bolstered health services. This dual focus on worker incentives and facility fixes positions Jharkhand for healthier communities, especially empowering women at the forefront.