Is the Credibility of the UN Panel in Question due to False Claims?
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Synopsis
India's recent challenge to a UN panel's credibility highlights serious concerns over misinformation regarding the support for women community health workers. BJP MP Poonamben Maadam criticized the panel's report, emphasizing that it misrepresents the benefits available to ASHA workers. This ongoing dialogue raises crucial questions about accountability and accuracy in global discussions on women's rights.
Key Takeaways
- ASHA programme is essential for healthcare in rural India.
- Women community health workers receive various social security benefits.
- India has regulations governing surrogacy practices.
- Misleading reports can undermine international dialogue on women's rights.
- There is a need for accurate information in global discussions.
United Nations, Oct 11 (NationPress) India has raised concerns regarding the reliability of a UN panel that generated a report on discrimination against women, which falsely asserted that women community health workers in India lack access to social security benefits.
BJP MP Poonamben Maadam emphasized on Friday that the working group's methodology in preparing the report is misleading, and more importantly, it casts doubt on the credibility and accuracy of the information and recommendations provided.
She made these remarks during the Interactive Dialogue on the Advancement of Women, held by the General Assembly’s Third Committee, which addresses social, humanitarian, and cultural issues.
The committee reviewed the report from the UN’s Working Group on Discrimination Against Women and Girls, which specifically targeted India, claiming that the nation’s women community health workers do not receive social security benefits.
“The Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) programme is a fundamental aspect of India's community health system, essential for delivering basic healthcare services to every village,” she stated.
ASHA workers earn performance-based wages alongside social security benefits, she added.
“Under the Prime Minister's pension scheme, ASHAs receive a monthly pension post-60 years of age,” Maadam noted.
Additionally, they are entitled to annual health coverage of Rs 500,000 and life insurance of Rs 200,000 through the Prime Minister's insurance initiatives, she mentioned.
“It would have been beneficial if the working group had conducted a thorough investigation before singling out India in their report,” Maadam expressed.
Claudia Flores, a law professor at Yale University and chair of the working group, disregarded Maadam’s critiques while responding to remarks from participants in the dialogue.
Reem Alsalem, the UN’s special rapporteur on violence against women and girls, also made an incorrect assertion about India towards the end of the session regarding surrogacy.
While addressing concerns about exploitation in surrogacy, she claimed that despite altruistic surrogacy being legal in Britain, British nationals remain among the most frequent foreign clients in India.
However, India has prohibited commercial surrogacy and its use by foreigners under the Surrogacy (Regulation) Act of 2021.
Currently, India only permits altruistic, or non-commercial, surrogacy for married Indian couples under strict regulations.
Point of View
It is crucial to recognize India's commitment to women's welfare while scrutinizing reports that could misrepresent the reality. The government's initiatives for ASHA workers demonstrate a dedication to supporting women in the healthcare sector. However, it is equally important for international bodies to ensure their claims are thoroughly verified, fostering a constructive dialogue rather than sowing misinformation.
NationPress
11/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ASHA programme?
The ASHA programme, or Accredited Social Health Activist programme, is a key component of India's community health system, aimed at providing basic healthcare services to rural populations.
What benefits do ASHA workers receive?
ASHAs receive performance-based pay, social security benefits, a monthly pension after 60, health coverage of Rs 500,000, and life insurance of Rs 200,000.
What did the UN report claim?
The UN report inaccurately claimed that women community health workers in India do not receive social security benefits.
What is the Surrogacy (Regulation) Act of 2021?
This act bans commercial surrogacy and its use by foreigners, allowing only altruistic surrogacy for married Indian couples under strict regulations.
Why is the credibility of the UN panel questioned?
India questions the panel's credibility due to its misleading report that does not accurately reflect the situation of women's community health workers.
