<h1>ASHA Workers Demand Formal Employee Status and Statutory Rights, Criticize Symbolic Gestures by Government.</h1> The largest trade union for ASHA workers has called on the government to recognize them as formal employees with statutory rights, rather than offering symbolic gestures. In a letter to the Union Health Minister, the federation criticized the selection of ASHA workers as special guests for the Republic Day celebrations, highlighting the lack of financial and social security. Despite their crucial role in healthcare and recognition by WHO, ASHA workers remain classified as 'volunteers' with minimal wages and no essential benefits. The federation urged the government to regularize their employment status and increase funding for the National Health Mission.