Wayanad, Mar 2 (Reporter) AICC general secretary and MP, Priyanka Gandhi, on Sunday gave an assurance to ASHA workers that when the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) comes to power next year in Kerala, it will ensure that their honorarium is raised so that they will receive respect and recognition that they rightfully deserve. The ASHA workers of Kerala have been on indefinite agitation, under the banner of Kerala ASHA Workers Association, demanding to increase their honorarium and the provision of retirement benefits and incentives, before the Secretariat at Thiruvananthapuram. Their agitation entered 21st day today. Extending her support to the ongoing ASHA workers agitation, Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi wrote on her social media handle X that "ASHA workers are one of the greatest strengths of our public health system, who are selflessly serving communities, especially in times of crisis. They became an integral part of India’s healthcare network during Dr Manmohan Singh’s first term as Prime Minister. From risking their lives on the frontline of the battle against COVID-19, to providing maternal care and health services to countless families across India, they have ensured that healthcare reaches even the most marginalized. "In Kerala, ASHA workers are protesting for a rightful increase in their meager honorarium of Rs 7,000, far less than what their counterparts receive in Karnataka and Telangana. Their fight is a fight for dignity and respect. It is appalling that women who are the backbone of society should have to beg for their rights like this. Instead of justice, all they have got from the Kerala government is apathy and attempts to silence them. "The Congress party stands in unwavering solidarity with Kerala’s ASHA workers. My sisters, your fight will not be in vain. When the UDF comes to power next year, we will ensure that your wages are raised and that you receive the respect and recognition that you rightfully deserve," she concluded. Meanwhile, the Congress has announced that it will take out protest marches to District Collectorates in support of the ongoing ASHA workers' stir on March three...////...