The protest by ASHA (Accredited Social Health Activist) workers in Kerala has entered its 70th day without reaching any resolution. For over a month now, the protest has included indefinite fasting and round-the-clock satyagraha, yet the government has not yielded to their demands. The ASHA Workers’ Association remains steadfast, insisting on an increase in honorarium, provision of retirement benefits, and implementation of a pension scheme.
Despite a prior meeting with Minister V. Sivankutty, no further intervention or negotiations from the government side have taken place. In solidarity with the protestors, several opposition leaders, including V.M. Sudheeran, and cultural and social activists visited the protest site recently, expressing their support.
Although the Kerala government informed the High Court that a committee had been formed to study the issues raised by the ASHA workers, no official order regarding the committee’s formation has been released so far. The protestors have criticized the government, accusing it of misleading the High Court.
Opposition leader V.D. Satheesan has repeatedly urged Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan to resolve the protest through meaningful dialogue. However, discussions so far have failed to bring any favorable outcome for the protesting workers. The government now proposes ending the protest and appointing a study committee with a three-month timeline to assess and address the concerns — a move that the ASHA workers view with skepticism.
