Protest of Kerala Asha Workers Echoes in Parliament
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Synopsis
The Kerala Asha Workers' ongoing protest for better pay and benefits has been highlighted in Parliament, with leaders from various parties calling for immediate action to resolve the issue. The workers demand an increase in their honorarium and timely payments as they continue their demonstration in Thiruvananthapuram.
Key Takeaways
- The Kerala Asha Workers are protesting for a pay increase.
- They seek their honorarium raised to Rs 21,000.
- Protests continue in front of the state secretariat.
- Political leaders are voicing support in Parliament.
- Upcoming siege planned for March 17th.
New Delhi/Thiruvananthapuram, March 10 (NationPress) The issue of the Kerala Asha Workers' protest was brought to attention in both houses of Parliament on Monday, as they persist in their demonstration outside the state secretariat.
The demonstrators are advocating for an increase in their monthly honorarium from Rs 7,000 to Rs 21,000, alongside retirement benefits and the resolution of outstanding payments.
During the session in the Lok Sabha, AICC general secretary (organization) K.C. Venugopal criticized both the Central and state governments for failing to resolve the ongoing protest.
“Both the state and Centre are shifting blame regarding the honorarium these workers deserve. They form the backbone of the healthcare system, yet they have been compelled to protest under the sweltering heat of Thiruvananthapuram for nearly a month. I hope this issue is swiftly addressed,” remarked Venugopal.
Shashi Tharoor, the Lok Sabha member from Thiruvananthapuram, emphasized that this situation is unfolding in his constituency.
“They are the unsung heroes of the Indian healthcare system. During the Covid crisis, they worked tirelessly and continue to labor for approximately 14 hours each day. They are labeled as volunteers, yet what they receive is minimal and often delayed. This must change, and they need to be adequately supported,” stated Tharoor.
Congress MP from Palakkad, V.K. Sreekantan, captured the attention of the house by speaking in Malayalam.
“It is disgraceful that the dedicated Asha workers find themselves in this position, and it is the duty of both the Centre and state to put an end to this protest and ensure they are treated with dignity,” Sreekantan expressed.
In the Rajya Sabha, BJP member and former National Women’s Commission chairperson Rekha Sharma asserted that the arrears owed to these workers must be settled, along with a fair monthly salary and pension.
Meanwhile, on Monday, the protesters declared their intent to lay siege to the state secretariat on March 17th.
The CPI(M)-led Vijayan government faces significant criticism not only from the Congress-led UDF and the BJP but also from various segments of society.
This was particularly evident on Women’s Day when numerous organizations rallied in solidarity with the protesting workers.
