'Need urgent intervention': Congress MPs from Kerala raise ASHA workers' strike in Lok Sabha | WATCH

New Delhi: Congress MPs raised the issue of the ASHA workers' strike in Kerala in the Lok Sabha. Shashi Tharoor, KC Venugopal and VK Sreekandan brought up the matter during Zero Hour.

Venugopal accused the Kerala government of refusing to accept the just demands of ASHA workers. He pointed out that while the state blames the Centre for not disbursing funds, the Centre, in turn, accused the state of not distributing the funds it received. Given this situation, the Union Health Minister must provide clarity on the matter. Venugopal also demanded that ASHA workers be given a monthly allowance of Rs 21,000 along with retirement benefits.

Describing ASHA workers as the unsung heroes of India’s healthcare system, Tharoor highlighted their critical contributions, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. He noted that they shoulder excessive responsibilities, often working between 12 and 14 hours a day. Despite this, they are still categorised as volunteers and receive only a modest honorarium and incentives, which are often delayed. 

Tharoor criticised this situation, while Sreekandan also urged immediate intervention in the matter.