In a move that can only be described as brilliantly out-of-touch, the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) has decided to gift bicycles to ASHA (Accredited Social Health Activist) workers—because clearly, nothing says “efficient healthcare” like pedaling across the city with medical supplies!
ASHA workers, who provide essential healthcare services, had humbly requested electric scooters to help them reach patients faster. But the government, in its infinite wisdom, allocated just ₹5,000 per worker—barely enough to buy a scooter’s rearview mirror! Naturally, instead of fighting for more funding, NMC took the easy way out and settled for cycles.
Rajendra Sathe, district president of the CITU’s ASHA Gatpravartak Karmachari Union, pointed out the obvious: “Many ASHA workers travel long distances carrying medical kits. Cycling is not a practical solution. We demanded electric scooters because workers can’t afford petrol.” But who cares about practicality when you can roll out a low-budget, headline-grabbing solution?
With 1,200 cycles being purchased at a cost of ₹84 lakh, critics argue that this is just a cost-cutting gimmick that ignores the real needs of healthcare workers. While officials pat themselves on the back for their “generosity,” ASHA workers are left struggling—proving once again that when it comes to supporting frontline workers, the government never fails to miss the mark.
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