Kerala Minister Advocates for ASHA Workers Amidst Ongoing Protests

Kerala Finance Minister K N Balagopal acknowledges the state's support for ASHA workers' demands and criticizes the central government's inaction. He highlights Kerala's comparatively better benefits for ASHA workers and addresses their ongoing protest. He also comments on the political motives behind criticisms of the government.

Kerala Finance Minister K N Balagopal reaffirmed the state government's commitment to supporting Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) workers' calls for better remuneration. He stated that the LDF government has consistently vocalized these demands at pre-budget meetings with the central government, emphasizing the need for increased benefits.

Balagopal accused certain political factions of leveraging the ongoing ASHA workers' protest, currently in its eleventh day, for political gain. He highlighted that the state consistently offers higher benefits compared to others.

In addressing inquiries about salary increases for Public Service Commission members, Balagopal clarified these are statutory positions with legally-mandated wages, unrelated to the ASHA workers' protest.