Asha Workers in Kerala Initiate Indefinite Fast Amid Minister's Deceptive Delhi Visit
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Synopsis
In Thiruvananthapuram, Asha workers protest for better pay and benefits, starting an indefinite fast. Their demands include a pay raise and retirement benefits. Health Minister Veena George's visit to Delhi raises eyebrows as she prioritizes talks with a Cuban delegation over worker issues.
Key Takeaways
- Asha workers in Kerala demand pay increase.
- Health Minister's trip to Delhi is controversial.
- Protest has reached its 39th day.
- Conciliation talks failed to resolve the issues.
- Workers feel misled by the government.
Thiruvananthapuram, March 20 (NationPress) In a drastic move, three protesting Asha workers commenced an indefinite fast on Thursday, marking the 39th day of their demonstration outside the state Secretariat.
These Asha workers have been steadfastly advocating for 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 reaching the age of 62.
On Wednesday, there were glimmers of hope for a resolution as two rounds of conciliation talks took place. The first was with the Director of the National Health Mission, followed by a meeting with state Health Minister Veena George. Unfortunately, both discussions did not yield any solutions.
Minister George had indicated plans to travel to Delhi for a meeting with Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda to discuss the workers' grievances.
However, upon her arrival in Delhi on Thursday, it was revealed that she was actually there to engage with a high-level Cuban delegation regarding health projects that the Kerala government is negotiating after Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan visited Cuba last year.
"I am attempting to secure a meeting with the Union Health Minister, but with Parliament in session, if I cannot meet him, I will return. The Cuban delegation is in Delhi, and Kerala is collaborating with them on significant projects," George stated.
This revelation incited outrage among the Asha workers, who condemned George for allegedly misleading them during her previous meeting with the protesters.
"During our meeting, it was evident that she was not committed to resolving our issues. Now it is crystal clear that her trip to Delhi was solely for the Cuban delegation and not to address our concerns. She is deceiving us," expressed one protester.
Another worker voiced their disappointment, stating they felt "truly ashamed of George, as it was obvious the government is disinterested in addressing our critical issues."
The ongoing protest was also highlighted in the Kerala Assembly on Thursday, where the opposition staged a walkout in response to the Pinarayi Vijayan government's apparent disregard for these vulnerable workers.
In defense of George, state Industries Minister P. Rajeeve claimed that the ongoing protest is unnecessary and influenced by vested interests, asserting that the state government has already clarified its stance.
