'ASHA strike formulated by evil minds, aiming at political benefits': EP Jayarajan

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: CPM Central Committee member EP Jayarajan said that the strike by ASHA workers in front of the Secretariat is unneeded. ASHA workers were in the service sector. Initially, they did not even have an honorarium. It was the LDF government that increased their wages and benefits to Rs 7000, EP Jayarajan said.

'This is a strike that was started by evil minds. It has a political purpose. They are making those women suffer by misleading them and bringing them before the Secretariat and creating an unnecessary strike. Therefore, what they should do as soon as possible is end this strike. We are not against the strike. This strike, which was carried out at an unnecessary time, has arisen from the intelligence of some people with a political scheme in mind. We can never accept such a strike,' said EP Jayarajan.

ASHA workers have been protesting in front of the Secretariat for the past month. The ASHA workers are making reasonable demands, including increasing the honorarium from Rs 7,000 to Rs 21,000, and disbursing it before the 5th of every month; providing Rs 5 lakh as a retirement benefit and pension. The day-and-night strike of the ASHA workers is receiving huge public support. Opposition parties are also coming forward to support the strike.