Hunger strike enters second day today; ASHAs intensify protest in front of Secretariat

The hunger strike of ASHA workers enters its second day today. MA Bindu, KP Thankamani and R Sheeja are continuing their hunger strike. The day-night strike in front of the secretariat is on its fortieth day today. The ASHAs have said that they will not back down from the strike unless proper action is taken on their demands, including an increase in honorarium.

Opposition leader VD Satheesan, KK Rama MLA and Congress leader PC Vishnunath had reached the protest venue yesterday in support of the strike. It is expected that more people will reach the protest venue today. Meanwhile, CITU is holding nationwide protests against the Center today. The CITU has also organized a march to the post office in Thiruvananthapuram, raising demands such as recognizing ASHAs as workers and raising the minimum wage to Rs. 26,000.

Meanwhile, Health Minister Veena George has come forward with an explanation about her Delhi trip. The minister said that he had not spoken to any media person about the purpose of his Delhi trip or any related matters and that no one had asked him anything. He had said in a press conference in Thiruvananthapuram that he would meet the Union Health Minister in person 'within a week'. The minister also explained that when he met the media in Delhi, he had made it clear that he would try to meet the Union Minister again as per his convenience.