ASHA Workers' Protest in Kerala Escalates as Congress Intensifies Agitation

Protests by ASHA workers in Kerala demanding better honorarium and benefits have taken a political turn, with the Congress stepping in to lead the agitation against the CPI(M)-led government. The Congress accuses the government of ignoring workers' legitimate demands while prioritizing salary hikes for officials.

In Kerala, protests by Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) workers demanding increased honorarium and benefits have intensified, with the state's Congress party stepping in to amplify their cause against the ruling CPI(M)-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) government. M Liju, KPCC General Secretary, announced a series of protest measures condemning the government's apathy towards the plight of ASHA workers.

The agitation gains momentum as Congress accuses the government of neglecting the ASHA workers' fair demands, choosing instead to enhance the salaries of bureaucrats while ignoring those who provide essential health services. The party criticizes a recent government circular perceived as a threat to the protesting workers, vowing to support the workers until their grievances are addressed.

CPI(M) has dismissed the protests as politically motivated, arguing that ASHA workers, considered volunteers, are not entitled to standard employee wages. Despite these assertions, Congress leaders, including KPCC President K Sudhakaran, have pledged solidarity, with statewide demonstrations planned to press for a resolution that aligns with the workers' demands.