'Pure politics behind protest'; Minister M B Rajesh about ASHA workers strike

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Minister MB Rajesh blamed the unruly stubbornness and 'politics' of ASHA workers for the present stalemate in the crisis. The minister called out the ‘irony’ of ASHAs not protesting against the centre for improper payment of Rs 1,800 and alleged politics behind the protest.

Minister M B Rajesh:

“The Chief Minister responded positively to the opposition leader's demand to resolve the strike. The central government minister tried to misrepresent the facts in the parliament. We could have given a notice for violation of rights. The state gives 8200 rupees out of the Rs 10000 allowed to the ASHAs. The central government is not paying their share properly. Yet, the Asha workers are protesting against the state and not the central government. The reason behind the protest is purely political.

On the 18th, the Health Minister sought permission from the Union Minister for a meeting. A letter was also given yesterday. All trade unions are demanding that ASHAs be made health workers. The Center is not ready to give a guarantee on increasing the incentives. At one stage, Nadda had said that the incentives would be increased. Later he failed to confirm this. The ASHA workers should protest against this.”