Despite the recent announcements in the State Budget regarding stipend hikes and leave benefits, thousands of Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) workers took to the streets today. What was intended to be a peaceful march to the "Swasthya Bhawan" (Health Headquarters) escalated into a high-voltage standoff between protesters and the police, leaving Salt Lake in a state of chaos for hours.

While the government highlighted a boost in monthly allowances and improved leave policies in the 2026-27 budget, the ASHA unions have labeled these measures "tokenism." 
The protest began around noon at Karunamoyee, with thousands of women marching toward Swasthya Bhawan. The Kolkata Police had deployed a massive force and erected multi-layered barricades to block the route.

The situation turned volatile when the protesters tried to break through the barricades. High-voltage scenes were witnessed as workers engaged in a physical scuffle with the police. Several protesters were seen scaling the iron gates, while others sat on the road in defiance. To control the swelling crowd, police detained several key organizers, leading to further shouting of slogans and temporary traffic paralysis in the Salt Lake area.