How can a left government be so indifferent towards ASHA workers? Asks CPI leader KK Sivaraman

Thiruvananthapuram: CPI leader KK Sivaraman has strongly criticised the indifferent attitude of the Government and the CPM towards the agitation of ASHA workers. He said that the attitude of the LDF government should be condemned, as it reflects cruelty and a lack of concern for humanity. He emphasised that such a stance, devoid of compassion, is unbecoming of a left-wing alliance.

ASHA workers, who work from early morning until evening for a meager monthly wage of ₹7,000, are being ignored by the government. Meanwhile, the Chairman and members of the Public Service Commission (PSC), who earn lakhs in salary and benefits, live in luxury and enjoy all the comforts that come with power. Is this the left-wing policy? The salaries and benefits of high-paid High Court lawyers have been increased, yet ASHA workers continue to be disrespected without remorse.

The lack of empathy and humanity in the government's stance is unbecoming of a left-wing government, he wrote on Facebook.

ASHA workers, who earn ₹7,000 a month, have demanded an increase in their pay. When the government ignored their demands and remained indifferent, they were forced to protest in front of the Secretariat. The way some political leaders insulted their protest was condemnable. Some leaders even compared the strike of ASHA workers to the earlier strike in Munnar by ‘Pombilai Orumai.’ However, they failed to remember that most of the women involved in the Pombilai Orumai strike were from families of workers affiliated with CITU, AITUC, and INTUC.

Sivaraman also criticised certain senior political leaders for spreading baseless allegations that the ASHA workers were being supported by regressive forces in society.

The inhuman attitude of the government has become increasingly evident, as the NHM State Mission Director issued an ultimatum to the agitating ASHA workers, demanding that they rejoin their duties immediately. Sivaraman pointed out that it is now clear that those who refuse to comply will be fired from their jobs. He asked, "How can a left-wing government be so indifferent towards the problems of ASHA workers and act so inhumanely?"