[Watch] ANM worker found begging wearing PPE in Odisha

Bhadrak: In an unusual scene,  an ANM worker was found begging wearing PPE in Charampa area of Bhadrak district today.

The paramedic, Ashwini Padhee, was recruited on contractual basis during the COVID-19 pandemic period. However, the contract period ended after the pandemic situation improved in the state. However, the state Government decided not to renew the contract further after it expired on December 31, 2020.

As a mark of protest, he was seen hopping shops carrying a bowl for ‘alms’.

When asked, Padhee said, “Following the outbreak of COVID-19 in March, the state Government appointed us to work as COVID Warriors in the service of people. Later,  it felicitated us for our work by showring flowers on us.   But after working for around nine months, the Government dismissed us without ensuring any rehabilitation.”

“If the Government cannot provide permanent employment, it must reinduct us to protect the livelihoods of around 8,000 paramedics in the state. We will intensify our protest in coming days by begging everywhere in the state, if the Government does not fulfil our demand,” he warned.