Mallika Sarabhai’s Support To ASHA Workers' Strike Irks Kerala Authorities

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Dancer, activist and Kerala Kalamandalam Vice Chancellor Mallika Sarabhai's online participation in a protest organised in Thrissur as part of the ongoing indefinite agitation of ASHA workers has sparked controversy.

Authorities reportedly informally advised Sarabhai not to participate in the protest, which is directed against the state government. Nevertheless, she inaugurated he protest online by donating Rs 1000 to the account of one of the ASHA workers.

In response to the pressure applied on her to refrain from joining the ASHA workers' protest, Sarabhai took to social media to express her displeasure regarding the restrictions.

She wrote on Facebook, "Today, I got my first taste of what it means to be the Chancellor of a university - restricted speech. There is an ASHA workers' agitation in Thrissur regarding an increase in their pay. I believe these workers do very important work everywhere and are underpaid and exploited. Sarah Joseph is leading citizens crowdfunding to raise their salary. I was asked for my opinion and gave it, as I have done all my life. Oh, I am not allowed to anymore. Hmmmm. How do I stop being me? Do I even want to ?

Writer Sara Joseph expressed regret over the pressure applied on Sarabahai to stay away from the strike. She hoped that the hostility directed at Sarabhai on social media did not have official approval.

Either the state government should take immediate steps to resolve the strike or the ASHA workers should call off their agitation. If neither occurs, then the civil society and right-thinking individuals would continue to support the strike, she said.

Joseph urged the government not to view the ASHA workers as adversaries. "They are not agitating to undermine the government. They are simply asking for their rights," the writer said while expressing solidarity with the protest.

The ASHA workers have been on strike for more than 80 days, demanding an increase in their monthly honorarium from Rs 7000 to Rs 21,000 as well as retirement benefits of Rs 5 lakh.

The CPM led LDF government has categorically stated that such a massive increase in honorarium is unsustainable, asserting that it is the central government's responsibility to address the ASHA workers' demands.

The state government had previously claimed that it had not received any central funds under the National Health Mission for various schemes, including ASHA incentives.

However, the Centre has firmly rejected these claims. The union health minister is on record stating that the outstanding amount was indeed paid, but the state government failed to provide the necessary utilisation certificates, which contradicts its assertions.