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ASHA Workers in Kerala Intensify Hunger Strike Over Wage and Retirement Demands

Failed negotiations with the state government and disputes over funding have led to escalating protests, with political support adding pressure on authorities.

Leader of Opposition in Kerala Assembly VD Satheesan, centre, and other UDF MLAs take part in a protest march in support of ASHA workers protesting against the Kerala government since February 10, demanding post-retirement benefits and a hike in their honorarium, in Thiruvananthapuram, on Thursday. (PTI)
Health minister Veena George told reporters after the meeting that she would meet her Union counterpart JP Nadda in Delhi in connection with the demands of the ASHAs. (PTI)
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Overview

  • ASHA workers in Kerala have been protesting for over a month, demanding a tripling of their monthly honorarium to ₹21,000 and a retirement benefit of ₹5 lakh.
  • Talks with the Kerala government failed on March 19, pushing the workers to launch an indefinite hunger strike starting March 20.
  • Kerala Health Minister Veena George's visit to Delhi to meet Union Health Minister JP Nadda ended without a meeting, drawing criticism and leaving the funding dispute unresolved.
  • The Congress-led UDF has publicly supported the workers, criticizing the state government and urging both state and central authorities to address the demands.
  • The protests highlight broader issues of healthcare worker pay disparities, with ASHAs earning far below the cost of living despite their critical role in rural healthcare.