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New Delhi/Thiruvananthapuram, April 01 – In a development amidst the 51st day of protests by Asha workers in front of the Kerala state Secretariat, Kerala Health Minister Veena George met Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda in Delhi on Tuesday.
Following the meeting, Minister George addressed the media, describing the discussions as “positive.” She stated, “I had raised the demands of the protesting Asha workers first, and he heard it. The Centre gives 60 per cent of the incentive while the state puts in 40 per cent of the total Rs 3,000, while the entire honorarium (Rs 7,000) is paid by the state. We have been demanding an increase in the incentive, and the Minister said the Centre is seriously looking into it.”
George also addressed the issue of pending funds from the fiscal year 2023-24. “There is a balance that Kerala has to get for the fiscal 2023-24, and we were told that it has lapsed. There were issues with it with regard to rebranding, as the Asha scheme is of the Centre. The Union Minister has said he will look into it also,” she added.
The meeting garnered significant attention, particularly after controversy arose when Minister George’s previous trip to Delhi, initially presented as a meeting with Nadda, was revealed to be for a meeting with a Cuban delegation. This led to accusations of dishonesty from the protesting Asha workers.
However, the Asha workers have responded to George’s statements with skepticism. “All know that the Centre’s share is only towards the incentive, while the honorarium is being paid by the State. We have been demanding an increase in that. So this meeting, for all practical purposes, has failed. We will continue with our protests,” a protester stated.
The protests escalated on Monday when the workers symbolically cut their hair to express their frustration with the Kerala government. Their demands include an increase in their monthly honorarium from Rs 7,000 to Rs 21,000 and a lump sum benefit of Rs 5 lakh upon retirement at the age of 62.
Further adding to the protest, the Congress trade union wing, INTUC, announced their support for the Asha workers on Tuesday. Minister George has also announced that there is a prospect for a new conciliation meeting with the INTUC leaders within the next 3 days.
Disclaimer: This news article is based on the provided information. Further developments may occur, and the situation is subject to change.
