Will Kerala Asha Workers Intensify Their Protest on the 141st Day?
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Synopsis
The Asha Workers in Kerala are intensifying their protest against the government's indifference to their demands for better compensation and retirement benefits. With elections nearing, they plan to reach out to local bodies to raise awareness about their struggle.
Key Takeaways
- Asha Workers have been protesting for better pay since February 10.
- They demand an increase from Rs 7,000 to Rs 21,000 monthly.
- Plans to engage with 1,000 local bodies as elections near.
- Past protests included symbolic acts like hair cutting.
- Their issues have been raised in Parliament but remain unresolved.
Thiruvananthapuram, June 30 (NationPress) The struggling Accredited Social Health Activists, commonly known as Asha Workers, who have been on an indefinite strike since February 10 demanding improved pay, retirement benefits, and acknowledgment, have announced plans to escalate their protest.
These workers have been staging continuous protests near the State Secretariat. During a press conference at the protest site, prominent leader M.A. Bindhu stated that with the Pinarayi Vijayan government remaining unresponsive to their prolonged grievances, they will initiate a new phase of protest starting in July.
“With the local body elections approaching, we are prepared to connect with 1,000 local councils throughout the state to highlight how this government is neglecting our needs,” Bindhu emphasized.
“The fifth phase follows our journey from Kasargod to here, where we articulated our demands. We also engaged in campaigning against the Left candidate, M. Swaraj, during the Nilambur Assembly by-election on June 19, which Swaraj lost to a Congress candidate,” Bindhu remarked.
“We will reach out to 1,000 local bodies... holding meetings that can link our protests to the elections,” Bindhu added.
The Asha Workers are frustrated with Chief Minister Vijayan regarding their treatment since their indefinite strike commenced on February 10. They are advocating for an increase in their honorarium and a retirement sum. Unfortunately, their demands have been overlooked by the Vijayan administration.
In the past, the protesting Asha Workers resorted to cutting their hair, with many opting for a tonsure as a symbolic act against the state government's apparent disregard for their requests for better pay and working conditions.
Currently, they receive Rs 7,000 per month and are demanding an increase to Rs 21,000 along with a lump sum of Rs five lakh upon retirement at the age of 62.
The Asha Workers have garnered substantial support from diverse segments of society, with individuals from various backgrounds visiting the protest site to show solidarity. Their issues have even been raised in Parliament, yet they remain unresolved.
Point of View
The ongoing struggle of the Asha Workers highlights a critical issue of labor rights and social justice. Their demands for fair compensation and recognition are not just about monetary benefits; they reflect a larger fight for dignity and respect in the workforce. It is essential for the government to address these concerns to foster trust and ensure social equity.
NationPress
30/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main demands of the Asha Workers?
The Asha Workers are demanding increased honorarium, better retirement benefits, and recognition for their work.
How long have the Asha Workers been on strike?
They have been on an indefinite strike since February 10.
What is the current pay of the Asha Workers?
Currently, they are paid Rs 7,000 per month.
What are the Asha Workers planning to do next?
They plan to reach out to 1,000 local bodies to raise awareness about their plight as local body elections approach.
How has the public responded to the Asha Workers' protest?
They have received significant support from various sectors of society, with many expressing solidarity at the protest site.
