Kerala Chief Minister Confirms Majority of ASHA Workers Aware of Government Support

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan stated that the state government aims to support ASHA workers as much as possible. He noted that most ASHA workers are aware of this, with only a small group protesting outside the Secretariat. Despite the small number of protestors, the government has engaged in six rounds of discussions with them to address their concerns.

ASHA Workers' Demands

The protestors have been demanding an honorarium of Rs 21,000 and retirement benefits of Rs 5 lakh. Vijayan mentioned that the government is open to increasing the honorarium when conditions allow. He emphasised that 99% of ASHA workers understand the government's supportive stance and continue their duties without protesting.

In recent discussions involving Health Minister Veena George and trade unions representing most ASHA workers, a proposal was made to form a committee. This committee would examine their issues and provide a report within three months. While trade unions supported this idea, the organisation leading the protests rejected it and continued their agitation.

Protests Intensify

Members of the Kerala ASHA Health Workers Association (KAHWA) have been protesting for 59 days outside the Secretariat. Their demands include higher retirement benefits and an increased honorarium. The protest has intensified with an indefinite hunger strike now in its 21st day.

Vijayan highlighted that the ASHA initiative is a central scheme, and the Union government has not raised incentives since its inception in 2005. In contrast, Kerala's government has increased the honorarium over time to Rs 7,000, which he claims is the highest in India.

The Chief Minister questioned whether the protests should be directed at the state or central government, given that the state has already raised the honorarium significantly. Despite ongoing protests, Vijayan reiterated that the state remains committed to supporting ASHA workers within its capacity.