TFP Bureau, Raipur, May 30, 2025: Senior Congress spokesperson Dhananjay Singh Thakur has strongly criticized the BJP government over the uncertain future of Mitanins, frontline health workers in the state, following their protest at Health Minister Shyam Bihari Jaiswal’s residence. Thakur accused the BJP government of reneging on its earlier promise to make Mitanins permanent employees, placing their jobs in jeopardy due to government negligence.
According to Thakur, Mitanins have not received salaries for several months. The NGO responsible for running the Mitanin program had its contract expire about a year ago, leaving these health workers in a precarious position—neither officially government employees nor under NGO protection. Despite serving the community in health-related roles for nearly two decades, Mitanins now face job insecurity with no clarity on their future.
Thakur alleged that the BJP government is plotting to remove over 5,500 experienced Mitanins and replace them with untrained personnel, primarily women affiliated with the BJP. He warned that such a move would severely damage the state’s health services, as Mitanins have been essential in caring for pregnant women and children for 19 years. In addition, contract doctors, nurses, and other National Health Mission staff have not been paid for two months, while payments for medicines worth Rs 800 crore purchased through CGMC remain pending, resulting in shortages of essential medicines in government hospitals and primary health centers.
Highlighting the deteriorating health system, Thakur demanded the government clarify who will pay Mitanins’ salaries after the National Health Mission’s contract with the State Health and Resource Center ends. He noted that the Mitanin program, which inspired the national ASHA Worker initiative, is now under threat as the government accuses workers of irregularities to justify their removal.
“The health system is already in shambles with shortages of doctors, nurses, and medicines. Instead of addressing these issues, the government is pushing out those who have been serving the people,” Thakur said.
The Congress has urged the government to honor its commitment and grant permanent appointments to the Mitanins, securing their jobs and strengthening the state’s healthcare delivery.
