Thiruvananthapuram: The Asha workers, whose protest in front of the State Secretariat has reached its 81st day, have announced plans for a relay day-night protest beginning on Thursday, universally recognised as International Labour Day.
The protesters were met with an unexpected show of support when renowned dancer and social activist Mallika Sarabhai, Chancellor of Kerala Kalamandalam, a cultural institution in the state, expressed solidarity through a Facebook post. She stated in her post that she cannot be forced to change her decision.
While the relay fast was withdrawn on Thursday, the leaders of the Asha workers were given a send-off to proceed to Kasargod, from where they are commencing a statewide march on May 5.
The protesters' vehicle will travel across all 14 districts, raising awareness about the reasons behind their protest at the State Secretariat.
The vehicle transporting the representatives of Asha workers, after journeying across the state, is set to arrive in the state capital on June 17.
Multiple rounds of conciliation talks have taken place, including discussions with State Social Welfare and Health Minister Veena George. But both sides have stuck to their stand. The talks have repeatedly failed, and despite that, without losing their determination, the workers continue their protests.
“We are in no way going to be put off our strike, as we are determined to continue our protests till our demands are met,” said their leader, Mini.
Kusum Joseph, another leader of the Asha workers' protests, said Sarabhai will come online and take part in our protest by transferring Rs 1,000 as a symbolic increase in the honorarium to the Asha workers.
“We are being told that she is being pressurised to withdraw from it, but as we know, she will join...she has already expressed her mind when she said she cannot be coerced to withdraw,” said Joseph.
The Asha workers are demanding an increase in their honorarium from Rs 7,000 to Rs 21,000 per month, besides a lump sum benefit of Rs 5 lakh each when they superannuate at the age of 62.
(inputs from IANS)