Support for Kerala Asha Workers from MoS Suresh Gopi and Priyanka Gandhi
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Synopsis
On their 20th day of protest, Kerala Asha workers garnered support from MoS Suresh Gopi and Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi, advocating for increased honorarium and retirement benefits. Gopi pledged to raise their demands with the central government, while Gandhi highlighted their crucial role in the healthcare system.
Key Takeaways
- Asha workers are protesting for an honorarium increase.
- Support from MoS Suresh Gopi and Priyanka Gandhi.
- Gopi intends to raise their demands to the central government.
- Congress pledges support for Asha workers' rights.
- 26,000 Asha workers are pivotal to Kerala's health response.
Thiruvananthapuram, March 1 (NationPress) On the 20th day of their protest outside the State Secretariat, the Asha workers received notable support from Union Minister of State for Tourism Suresh Gopi, who visited the demonstrators. Additionally, Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi expressed her support via her social media platforms.
The Asha workers are advocating for a significant increase in their monthly remuneration from Rs 7,000 to Rs 21,000, alongside demands for retirement benefits and the settlement of outstanding payments.
Actor-turned-politician Gopi, who is the sole BJP Lok Sabha representative from Kerala, assured the protestors that he would present their needs to the central government.
“I will inform Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Union Health Minister about the workers' demands and will strive to see if the criteria can be reassessed to potentially make it a centrally sponsored scheme,” Gopi stated.
In a post on X, Priyanka Gandhi remarked that the Asha workers are vital to our public health system, selflessly serving communities, particularly during crises.
“They became a key part of India’s healthcare framework during Dr Manmohan Singh’s initial term as Prime Minister. From risking their lives on the front lines of the battle against COVID-19 to offering maternal care and health services to numerous families across India, they have guaranteed healthcare access even to the most marginalized,” said the Congress MP.
“In Kerala, ASHA workers are protesting for a just increase in their meager honorarium of Rs 7,000, which is significantly lower than what their counterparts earn in Karnataka and Telangana. Their struggle symbolizes a quest for dignity and respect. It is disheartening that women, who form the backbone of society, must plead for their rights. Instead of justice, all they have received from the Kerala government is indifference and attempts to silence them,” Gandhi continued.
“The Indian National Congress firmly stands in solidarity with Kerala’s Asha workers. My sisters, your struggle will not be in vain. When the Congress UDF assumes power next year, we will ensure your wages are raised and that you receive the respect and acknowledgment you rightfully deserve,” she added.
In Kerala, approximately 26,000 Asha workers are regarded as the backbone of the state’s health initiatives and have garnered immense praise.
As the Kerala Assembly is set to resume its sessions on March 3, the protesting Asha workers will march toward the Assembly to raise awareness among the Pinarayi Vijayan government and the CPI-M, which has dismissed their protests as being led by an alleged militant group.
