Congress raises Kerala ASHA Workers' protest issue in Lok Sabha

New Delhi: Congress leader K C Venugopal brought up the ongoing ASHA workers' protest in Kerala during the Lok Sabha session today. In response, Union Health Minister J P Nadda suggested that the issue be discussed further in his chambers.

Kerala's ASHA workers escalated their protest on Thursday, launching an indefinite hunger strike to push for their demands.

The escalation of the ASHA workers' protest coincided with Kerala Health Minister Veena George's failed meeting with Union Health Minister J P Nadda during her Delhi visit.

During Question Hour in the Lower House, Venugopal, MP from Kerala, sought to know from Nadda whether the minister is going to help resolve the agitation and called for providing minimum wages to the ASHA workers.

He also mentioned reports that George was not able to meet Nadda.

"For the question which he has asked, come to my chamber and I will discuss with you in detail. This question does not relate to ASHA workers," Nadda said.

Venugopal asked the supplementary when the main question was related to non-communicable diseases.

Kerala's ASHA workers began a hunger strike after talks with the LDF-led state government failed on Wednesday. Since February 10, a section of ASHA workers have been protesting outside the Secretariat in Thiruvananthapuram, demanding post-retirement benefits and an honourarium hike from Rs 7,000 to Rs 21,000.

(inputs from PTI)