Kerala Asha Workers' Demonstration: Congress Considers Extra Compensation from Local Bodies
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Synopsis
As the Asha workers' protest in Kerala marks its 44th day, the Congress-led UDF is evaluating additional compensation from local bodies. Despite ongoing discussions with the government, Asha workers remain resolute in their demands for better remuneration.
Key Takeaways
- Protest Duration: 44 days and counting.
- Current Honorarium: Rs 7,000 from the state government.
- Proposed Increase: An additional Rs 2,000 from local bodies.
- Pilot Incentive: Rs 1,000 offered by two local bodies.
- Public Support: Strong public backing for the Asha workers.
Thiruvananthapuram, March 25 (NationPress) As the Asha workers' protest outside the State Secretariat continues into its 44th day on Tuesday in Kerala, the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) is deliberating on the possibility of offering additional payments to the protesting workers using funds from local bodies under their jurisdiction.
Currently, the Kerala government allocates an honorarium of Rs 7,000 to Asha workers. The Congress leadership is contemplating an enhancement of this payment by an extra Rs 2,000 in the local bodies they oversee.
In a pilot program, two Congress-led local bodies—one in Kollam and another in Pathanamthitta—have declared an incentive of Rs 1,000 for each Asha worker.
Meanwhile, UDF officials have instructed their legal and policy teams to investigate if there are any legal or technical impediments to utilizing local body funds for these incentives.
Last week, hopes for a resolution were kindled when the Pinarayi Vijayan-led Left Front government invited the protesting Asha workers for negotiations. However, discussions with the National Health Mission director and later with state Health Minister Veena George did not result in any tangible assurances.
Frustrated by the stagnant situation, three Asha workers initiated an indefinite hunger strike, which has reached its sixth day on Tuesday.
Veena George faced backlash after she assured that she would address the issue with Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda during her visit to Delhi, but failed to secure a meeting. This further inflamed the protesters, who perceived her assurance as an empty promise.
The Pinarayi Vijayan government continues to attribute the lack of action to the Centre, asserting that the state has met its obligations and that the remaining demands fall under the Centre's jurisdiction.
Since the protest commenced on February 10, Asha workers have garnered substantial public backing, with large crowds congregating daily at the protest location to demonstrate solidarity.
There are 26,000 Asha workers in Kerala.
