Congress Voices Support for Asha Workers' Protest in Kerala
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Synopsis
On Feb 26, Congress leaders K. Sudhakaran and V.D. Satheesan expressed unwavering support for the Asha workers' indefinite strike in Kerala, now in its 17th day. They condemned the government's threats and pledged to stand with the protesting workers.
Key Takeaways
- Congress stands firmly with Asha workers on strike.
- The protest demands a pay increase to Rs 21,000.
- Government's response criticized by the opposition.
- Upcoming demonstrations planned at local bodies.
- Support from other political leaders for the cause.
Thiruvananthapuram, Feb 26 (NationPress) The President of Congress's Kerala unit, K. Sudhakaran, along with the Leader of Opposition V.D. Satheesan, announced on Wednesday that the party fully supports the ongoing indefinite strike by the Asha workers, which has now reached its 17th day.
The women Asha (Accredited Social Health Activist) workers are staging a protest outside the state Secretariat, demanding an increase in their monthly honorarium from Rs 7,000 to Rs 21,000, along with retirement benefits and the settlement of pending payments.
The Congress has criticized a stern letter issued by the government, instructing all protesters to return to work or face replacement by new personnel.
In addition to the letter, the party has condemned remarks from senior CPI-M and CITU leader Elamaram Kareem, who characterized the protest as being driven by individuals seeking to profit from donations.
In response to the intimidating letter, Sudhakaran stated that party members, including those from the women's wing, will demonstrate on Thursday.
"This circular will be set ablaze in front of the 1,200 local bodies across the state. On March 3, under the auspices of the 14 district Congress committees, workers will gather outside the state Secretariat and the 13 district collectorates," he explained.
On Wednesday, senior CPI leader K.K. Sivaraman also expressed his complete support for the Asha workers who are protesting.
"The Kerala government has ignored the plight of these workers, especially when it has recently awarded substantial salary increases to members of the Kerala State Public Service Commission and government pleaders, who are already well-compensated," he remarked.
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor from Thiruvananthapuram, who is currently in the news for his comments, also visited the protest site to show his solidarity with the demonstrators.
Meanwhile, police have started filing cases against well-known social activists who interacted with the protesters.
Joseph C. Mathew, who initiated the protests, mentioned that he received a notice to appear before the police.
"As a law-abiding citizen, I will certainly comply with the police request," he affirmed, while emphasizing his strong support for the protesters.
In Kerala, there are approximately 26,000 Asha workers who are recognized as the backbone of the state’s health response, receiving significant praise during crises such as the Covid-19 pandemic and the devastating floods.
