MPs raise ASHA workers’ stir in Parliament

T'puram: The issues faced by ASHA workers in the state reverberated in the Parliament on Monday with both Congress and BJP leaders raising discussions. While Congress leader and MP Shashi Tharoor urged the Centre to immediately intervene in the issue, AICC general secretary KC Venugopal slammed both the central and state govts.
Meanwhile, BJP MP and former National Women's Commission chairperson raised the issue in the Rajya Sabha.
Meanwhile, the ASHA workers, whose protest is set to complete one month, decided to launch the next phase of the agitation, which will include a Secretariat siege on March 17.
Speaking in Lok Sabha, Tharoor said, "ASHA workers play a crucial role in improving maternal and child health, increasing immunisation rates, and raising awareness about nutrition and hygiene. Their contributions were particularly critical during the Covid-19 pandemic when they served on the front lines of healthcare efforts."
"I urge the minister to take immediate action, in coordination with state govts, to address their concerns," he added.
Meanwhile, also speaking in Lok Sabha, Venugopal slammed both Centre and state govt for not making any efforts to end the protest.
"Both the state and Centre are blaming one another when it comes to providing the honorarium they deserve. These workers are the backbone of the healthcare system, but they have been forced to protest in the sweltering heat of Thiruvananthapuram for almost a month now. I wish the issue is resolved at the earliest," said Venugopal. In Rajya Sabha, Rekha Sharma said the arrears due to them has to be paid besides a proper monthly salary and a pension too.
Meanwhile, the workers are moving towards a second phase of the agitation. They are planning a protest by blocking the Secretariat on March 17. The protesters have also sought support from various organizations.
The protesters also sent a defamation notice to CITU state secretary KN Gopinathan for insulting them. Kerala ASHA Health Workers Association general secretary MA Bindu sent a legal notice to Gopinathan seeking compensation of Rs 10 crore for "insulting womanhood".