KOTTAYAM: CITU leaders have once again insulted ASHA workers who have been protesting in front of the Thiruvananthapuram Secretariat for 19 days. CITU State Vice President P B Harshakumar said that the leader of the protest committee, S Mini, is a pest spreading infectious disease. She has been living in Thiruvananthapuram for several days at the expense of the protest. Those who collect money by panhandling in front of bus stands in Kerala are behind this protest. Mini is the leader of this, said Harshakumar.

Mini has also responded to Harshakumar's insult. Mini's replied that I consider it fortunate that the CITU workers did not cut 51 times. 'I am relieved that he did not call me a 'vile creature.' The foundation of CITU has been shaken with the protest of ASHA workers. The public will respond to his abusive remarks, Mini responded.

The abuse took place during the march to the central government office organised by the CITU-led ASHA Workers Federation in Pathanamthitta and Thiruvananthapuram. The CITU held an alternative strike in Thiruvananthapuram today. Meanwhile, former parliamentarian CS Sujatha alleged that the strike in the secretariat is a move to overthrow the government. The strike committee also clarified that it will not be deterred by such statements.

Health Minister Veena George responded that a section of Asha workers had gone on strike due to a misunderstanding. 'The entire amount, including the arrears up to January, has been paid,' said Minister Veena George. 'It has reached the accounts of the Asha workers by yesterday. The Asha scheme is a central scheme. However, some have misled the Asha workers that it is the state government that should increase the wages.

The government's stance is to provide more benefits to the Asha workers. However, this cannot be done by the state government alone. The central government should allocate funds. The centre does not even consider Asha workers as workers. The state demands that the central government take an appropriate decision on the issue of wages. The centre has been informed in writing about this. The government's stance is that it should intervene to resolve the employment problems of the Asha workers,' the minister said.