Amid growing protests by ASHA (Accredited Social Health Activists) workers in Kerala, the state government has sanctioned the payment of two months’ pending honorarium. The decision comes as thousands of ASHA workers continue their relentless demonstration in front of the Secretariat in Thiruvananthapuram, demanding the release of their overdue payments and a significant increase in their monthly honorarium.
Government Releases Funds Amid Mounting Pressure
The Finance Department has allocated ₹52.85 crore to settle the dues for two months, while arrears for one more month remain unpaid. Kerala has approximately 27,000 ASHA workers, each receiving an honorarium of ₹7,000 per month. However, the workers have been demanding a substantial hike in their wages to at least ₹21,000 per month, citing the increasing cost of living and their expanding workload.
The situation has been further aggravated by the failure of discussions between ASHA representatives and the Health Minister. Adding to the controversy, Finance Minister K N Balagopal’s remark that external groups had influenced the protest has intensified resentment among the workers.
Statewide Expansion of Protest
Despite the government’s partial relief, ASHA workers are determined to continue their protest. On February 20, the agitation is set to escalate, with demonstrations planned across all districts under the banner of ‘ASHA Sangamam.’ This widespread mobilization aims to pressure the government into addressing all their demands, including clearing remaining arrears and revising their honorarium.
ASHA Workers to Be Involved in MGNREGS Supervision
In a related development, the Union Ministry of Rural Development has instructed that ASHA workers can now take up supervisory roles under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS). The ministry has communicated this directive to the MGNREGS Mission, allowing ASHA workers to contribute beyond their healthcare roles.
Their new responsibilities under MGNREGS will include:
Inspecting proposed worksites for employment schemes
Supervising the execution of work
Ensuring timely wage distribution for laborers
This move is expected to provide additional employment opportunities for ASHA workers, leveraging their well-structured network across Kerala. Notably, Kerala already provides the highest honorarium for ASHA workers compared to other Indian states.
Core Responsibilities of ASHA Workers
ASHA workers play a critical role in community healthcare, with their key duties including:
Ensuring maternal and child healthcare in rural areas
Spreading awareness about health and hygiene
Assisting in services provided by health centers
Educating communities on the prevention of lifestyle diseases
As the protest gains momentum, the government’s decision to release part of the pending dues may be seen as a temporary relief. However, unless their demands for better wages and working conditions are met, ASHA workers seem determined to persist in their struggle.
