Rising Voices for Asha Workers: A Call for Recognition and Support

The ongoing issue of inadequate pay and lack of social security for Asha workers in Kerala and Tamil Nadu was raised by Congress members. They highlighted the blame game between the Centre and state governments, as well as the neglect of these healthcare volunteers, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Members of Congress from Kerala and Tamil Nadu voiced their concerns on Monday over the inadequate remuneration and lack of social security for Asha workers. They criticized the ongoing blame game between the Centre and the Kerala government, stating it fails to address the pressing needs of these healthcare volunteers.

Shashi Tharoor, a Congress leader, brought attention to the Asha workers' month-long protest in Kerala, pointing out their inadequate pay and lack of recognition as formal employees with access to social security and pension benefits.

The discourse was furthered by K C Venugopal, who had been attempting to highlight the issue for some time, and Sashikanth Senthil from Tamil Nadu, who criticized digital initiatives as ineffective. RSP's N K Premchandran also emphasized the workers' predicament, calling for immediate action.