Kerala Minister Criticises ASHA Workers' Protest Tactics

Kerala's Labour Minister, V Sivankutty, has voiced strong criticism against the ongoing protests by Accredited Social Health Activists workers outside the state Secretariat in Thiruvananthapuram. He contends that such demonstrations should be directed at the central government in Delhi, rather than the state administration. Sivankutty suggested that the hair cut during the protest be sent to the central government via Kerala's Union ministers as a symbolic gesture.

The protest, which has now entered its 50th day, saw ASHA workers intensify their agitation by shaving their heads and cutting their hair in front of the Secretariat. This dramatic act was intended to highlight their frustration over the government's perceived inaction regarding their demands for increased honorarium and post-retirement benefits. Emotional scenes unfolded as several workers, tears streaming down their faces, participated in the hair-cutting demonstration. They held aloft their severed hair while marching around the Secretariat, symbolizing their deep dissatisfaction and resolve.

Minister Sivankutty alleged that the protest has been influenced by local Bharatiya Janata Party representatives, accusing them of infiltrating the movement. He dismissed acts such as Union Minister Suresh Gopi distributing raincoats and umbrellas to the protesting workers as mere gimmicks that would not yield tangible benefits. Sivankutty emphasized that despite sending letters to the Union Labour Minister demanding that ASHA workers be granted employee status under central labour laws, no response has been received. He urged Union Ministers Suresh Gopi and George Kurian to exert pressure on the central government to address the workers' demands.

The ASHA programme operates as a centrally sponsored scheme, with 60% of the funding provided by the Centre and the remaining 40% by the state. The fixed incentive amount of ₹3,000 is split, with ₹1,800 from the Centre and ₹1,200 from the state. Additionally, the Kerala government provides an honorarium of ₹7,000. Sivankutty criticized the protesters for not demanding an increase in the central incentive, instead focusing on the state's contribution. He highlighted that the honorarium was first introduced by the Left government and has been increased from ₹1,000 per month during the previous United Democratic Front government's tenure to ₹7,000 under the current Left Democratic Front government. According to the minister, based on specific conditions, ASHA workers can earn up to ₹13,200, including a telephone allowance, with ₹10,000 of this amount coming from the state.

The protesting ASHA workers have expressed deep frustration over the government's lack of response to their demands. Mini S, one of the leaders of the protest, criticized Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan for his silence on their agitation, pointing out that while the Chief Minister has expressed concern for animals and birds amid the heatwave, he has not addressed the plight of the ASHA workers protesting under the scorching sun. She emphasized that they would not back down until their demands are met. Open URL