Kerala ASHA Workers Take Electoral Stand Against Government Over Insults
The Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) association in Kerala has issued a stern warning, stating that individuals who insulted their ongoing protest will not receive votes in upcoming elections. This declaration comes amid escalating tensions between the health workers and the state government.
Unprecedented Anti-Worker Attitude Alleged
M A Bindu, the state general secretary of the Kerala ASHA Health Workers Association (KAHWA), has accused the current government of displaying an anti-worker attitude that surpasses any previous administrations. "No previous governments had shown such an anti-worker attitude as the present government," Bindu asserted, highlighting the deepening rift.
Clear Electoral Position Adopted
Bindu elaborated on KAHWA's political stance, noting that the association took a definitive position during the Nilambur by-election. "We adopted the same position in the local body elections, and we are continuing it in the assembly elections too," she said. The association's stand was explicitly against voting for the government's candidate, a strategy they plan to maintain.
The general secretary emphasized that their demands are rooted in promises made in the government's manifesto, including:
- An increase in honorarium
- Immediate disbursal of pending honorarium and incentives
- Provision of retirement benefits and pension
"We only demanded what was promised in the government's manifesto. This government no longer deserves to be re-elected," Bindu concluded, underscoring their disillusionment.
Protest Background and Demands
ASHAs launched their protest on February 10 last year, raising a series of demands critical to their welfare and working conditions. The protest has been a focal point for highlighting issues faced by these frontline health workers, who play a vital role in Kerala's healthcare system.
The association's firm stance signals a significant shift in their engagement with political processes, as they leverage electoral power to advocate for their rights and hold the government accountable for unmet promises.
