Minister Veena says discussion with Union Minister was positive; ASHA workers' incentives under review

NEW DELHI: Minister Veena George stated that her meeting with Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda was positive. Discussions included increasing incentives for ASHA workers. The Union Minister assured that Kerala would receive an AIIMS. They also discussed issues related to online medicine sales.

The Union Minister mentioned that increasing incentives is under consideration and will be examined. He assured that arrears for 2023-2024 would also be addressed. He spoke extensively on behalf of ASHA workers. Previously, he had promised to resolve their issues. His stance is to withdraw the strike. The Center is expected to decide on declaring volunteers as workers instead of volunteers. Details of the discussions with the Center will be shared with ASHA workers. INTUC has requested that discussions involve all parties. Talks are expected within two to three days.

INTUC has announced its support for the ASHA workers' strike, which has now reached its 51st day. State President R. Chandrasekharan will visit the strike pavilion on Thursday. Initially, INTUC opposed the strike but changed its stance due to pressure from Congress. Chandrasekharan stated that INTUC supports the strike following written requests from Opposition Leader V.D. Satheesan and AICC General Secretary K.C. Venugopal. However, he clarified that there are disagreements regarding the demands raised as the basis for the strike. Chandrasekharan urged the government to invite all organizations and central trade union leaders to discuss and resolve the issues faced by ASHA workers.

Kerala ASHA Health Workers Association leaders welcomed the Health Minister's decision to hold discussions on their demands immediately. Association state president V.K. Sadanandan expressed hope for a positive outcome on issues such as honorarium increases and retirement benefits.