Suman is a Dalit (Scheduled Caste) Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA worker) from Gorakhpur district, Uttar Pradesh, stationed in Korari village in Gola Taluka. As an ASHA worker, she is responsible for providing essential healthcare services including vaccination administration at the community in level.
During a routine immunization house visit, Suman experienced caste-based discrimination and untouchability practices when she was denied permission to sit on a chair while administering a vaccine to a child. When she reminded the upper-caste household that she was on official duty and holding their baby to administer medication—emphasizing her professional role—they refused to accommodate her basic dignity by offering a seat. This incident exemplifies the structural discrimination Dalit ASHA workers face despite providing frontline healthcare services to communities that practice caste-based exclusion against them.
Sources
- 1.Why labour laws fail India's Dalit ASHA workers — The PrintGround report documenting Suman's case of caste discrimination during immunization work in Korari village
- 2.Frontline heroes, marginalized citizens: How Dalit ASHA workers face caste discrimination — CounterviewReport on systemic caste discrimination against Dalit ASHA workers, featuring Suman's incident
- 3.20 Years On, Dalit ASHA Workers Are Fighting A Lone Battle Against Caste — BehanBoxSurvey-based article on caste discrimination in ASHA program, with Suman's case quoted directly