Apart from medical and public health interventions, human resources for health are a critical component of any effective public health system. In this context, the role and significance of caregiving within societies are of critical importance. Women are often designated to undertake these caregiving responsibilities, which are frequently seen as an extension of traditional household care. The exploitation of human resources in the guise of caregiving in India, particularly in the case of Community Health Workers or Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs), represents a fundamental ethical issue within our health systems. The contradiction of labelling their structured and compulsory labour as “voluntary” must be addressed with utmost urgency and seriousness. Categorised as “voluntary workers”, the ASHAs in India have remained underpaid and under-valued, despite the frequent expansion of their responsibilities and the significant hardships they endure in fulfilling them. It is essential to provide them with adequate remuneration and security, recognising the nature and extent of their work which generates immense social value.