Kerala's Asha Workers to Persist with Strike as Conciliation Talks Conclude Without Resolution
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Synopsis
Asha workers in Kerala have resolved to continue their strike after two rounds of unsuccessful conciliation talks. The protests, ongoing for 38 days, center around demands for increased wages and retirement benefits amidst claims of poor financial conditions from the state government.
Key Takeaways
- Asha workers are demanding a wage increase from Rs 7,000 to Rs 21,000.
- Conciliation talks with the government have failed to yield results.
- Protests have now escalated to an indefinite fast.
- The government cites financial constraints as a reason for inaction.
- Support for Asha workers is growing among various societal groups.
Thiruvananthapuram, March 19 (NationPress) Asha workers in Kerala will persist with their strike following the failure of two separate rounds of conciliation talks conducted at different levels on Wednesday to resolve the matter.
Wednesday marked the 38th day of the ongoing protest in front of the state Secretariat.
In the afternoon, a one-hour conciliation meeting was convened by the director of the National Health Mission with the representatives of the protesting Asha workers, yet both parties maintained their positions.
The NHM director, who was tasked with communicating with the protesters' representatives, conveyed the state government’s inability to raise daily wages from Rs 232 to Rs 700 as requested by the protesters.
The director stated that the current financial condition of the state government is extremely poor and that at this time, none of their demands can be accommodated; however, all these concerns will be favorably addressed once the financial status of the state improves.
Asha workers have been camped out in front of the Secretariat, demanding an increase in their monthly honorarium from Rs 7,000 to Rs 21,000, along with a retirement benefit of a lump sum payment of Rs 5 lakh upon retirement at the age of 62.
“We approached with high hopes but returned feeling disheartened. We informed the director that we cannot withdraw from the strike as our demands are legitimate,” stated a leader of the Asha workers who participated in the conciliation talks.
Following this, the Asha workers chanted anti-government slogans and marched down MG Road.
Later, optimism surged when it was announced that state Health Minister Veena George would meet them, leading the same team of leaders to the state Assembly. However, after another hour of discussions, the impasse remained as both sides continued to uphold their positions.
After the talks concluded without resolution, the leaders expressed that the meeting called by the Minister was merely a facade to demonstrate that the government was attempting to address the issues.
“Nothing has changed as the Minister cited the poor financial state of the government and urged us to end the strike... assuring that once conditions improve, they would do what is feasible,” said Mini, the leader of Asha workers.
“The Minister mentioned she would soon be going to Delhi to discuss the matter with the Centre. Given that no progress has been made after two rounds of meetings, we have decided to continue our protests, and starting Thursday, we will initiate an indefinite fast until our demands are fulfilled,” Mini added.
George later informed the media that two rounds of discussions took place during the day.
“I met with them after they requested to speak with the Minister. This is the second time I have engaged with them. I urged them to end the protest. The honorarium of Rs 7,000 provided by the state, along with an incentive of Rs 3,000, is shared equally by both the state and the government,” George stated.
She mentioned that there are 26,125 Asha workers, with around 450 currently protesting, while 13,000 of them lack insurance, a matter we have raised with the Centre.
“I have assured them that I will soon be meeting the Union Minister of Health to address all the concerns raised by the Asha workers,” George added.
Meanwhile, with the failure of the talks, the protesters, as announced on Monday, will escalate their demonstrations starting Thursday morning, when three of their leaders will embark on an indefinite fast until their demands are met.
Witnessing their leaders announce the failure of the talks, many protesting Asha workers were seen wiping their tears.
“We are resolute that we will not leave until our demands are met. We are moving forward together,” asserted one protester, criticizing the Pinarayi Vijayan government for ignoring their grievances.
The Pinarayi Vijayan government has faced considerable backlash not only from the Congress-led UDF and the BJP but from various segments of society, and with each passing day, the support for the Asha workers is growing, even as their indefinite fast commences on Thursday.
–IANS
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