Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) workers during a protest demanding an increase in their wages, on the International Women's Day, in Thiruvananthapuram, Saturday | Photo: PTI
Thiruvananthapuram: ASHA workers protesting outside the Kerala Secretariat have announced a 'hair cutting demonstration' on Monday as their agitation reaches its 50th day. The protest, which has been ongoing for weeks, is demanding post-retirement benefits and an increased honorarium.
With no positive response from the government, a section of the protesters launched an indefinite hunger strike last week. The workers accuse Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan of ignoring their plight despite addressing concerns related to the heat wave affecting animals and birds.
Protesting ASHA workers from multiple districts are expected to participate in the hair-cutting demonstration, marking a crucial moment in their struggle. Organisers state that this symbolic act aims to highlight their frustration and determination to continue the stir until their demands are met.
What is the government’s stand?
The Left-led Kerala government has stated that a steep hike in honorarium is unfeasible and attributed the delay in payments to the Centre. It claims that no funds have been received under the National Health Mission (NHM) for the 2023-24 period, affecting payments for centrally sponsored schemes.
How has the Centre responded?
The central government has denied Kerala’s claims, stating that funds have been allocated as required. However, it insists that the pending amount will only be disbursed once the state submits the necessary utilisation certificate. Meanwhile, the Union Health Minister has announced a decision to raise incentives for ASHA workers under the NHM.
The protest is expected to continue until the workers receive concrete assurances regarding their demands.
With PTI inputs
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