Thoothukudi, June 16 -- Salt pan workers on Tuesday demanded an increase in monsoon relief assistance, citing growing difficulties in sustaining their livelihoods.

The workers have sought an increase in the monsoon relief assistance from Rs 5,000 to Rs 10,000.

Speaking to reporters, salt pan worker Kasi Ammal pointed out that the Rs 5,000 monsoon relief assistance provided by the government was insufficient to cover family expenses for three months.

"We work under extremely difficult conditions in the salt pans. Although we get work for several months starting from the Tamil month of Thai, our employment is completely affected during the monsoon season. The Rs 5,000 monsoon relief assistance provided by the government is not sufficient...