An ASHA worker in Bihar is under scrutiny for allegedly demanding a bribe from a woman seeking a birth certificate for her child. The incident occurred in Dhanetha village, part of Magheli Panchayat in the Phalka block of Katihar district. Poonam Devi, the ASHA worker, is accused of requesting 1200 rupees from the woman.
The woman has been trying to get the birth certificate for her child for four years. According to the woman, Poonam Devi, the ASHA worker from ward 15, specifically stated that money was needed to be paid to everyone involved, from the top to the bottom, for the certificate to be issued.
Notably, the woman’s delivery had been handled by the same ASHA worker, Poonam Devi, four years prior. Despite this, the birth certificate was not obtained back then. The woman’s attempts since then have been met with demands for money and delays.
This situation echoes previous instances in Bihar where ASHA workers have been accused of demanding bribes for birth certificates. Similar allegations arose in Chakmathura village, Dhaureya block, Banka district.