On January 21, 2026, numerous ASHA workers in West Bengal were detained as they tried to march to Swasthya Bhawan, the Health Department headquarters. They demanded a higher minimum monthly honorarium and insurance cover. Police stopped them as a precaution. Protesters arrived early at Sealdah and Howrah railway stations but were blocked by barricades. Some even sat on the platforms in protest. An ASHA worker from Paschim Dinajpur said, "We have been prevented from exiting the Howrah station since 6.30 a.m." Others were held near Swasthya Bhawan where they had gathered to press their demands. The workers have been on a cease-work strike since December 23. They want a fixed monthly salary of ₹15,000 instead of performance-based pay and insurance worth ₹5 lakh for death while on duty. Security was increased around Swasthya Bhawan, and traffic was controlled. West Bengal's Health Minister of State Chandrima Bhattacharya warned the protesters on January 20 against marching to Swasthya Bhawan over law and order concerns.