Kerala ASHA Workers' Fight Intensifies: Protests in Parliament for Fair Wages

Kerala MPs protested in Parliament demanding higher wages and retirement benefits for ASHA workers, who are striking for better pay and conditions. Despite protests and pressure, the government has yet to meet the workers' demands, prompting calls for intervention from both central and state authorities.

In a demonstration that underscored the ongoing struggle for fair compensation, Members of Parliament from Kerala staged a protest in Parliament on Tuesday in solidarity with ASHA workers. The lawmakers are demanding that the Accredited Social Health Activists receive an increased honorarium of Rs 21,000 per month along with retirement benefits of Rs 5 lakh.

Congress MP KC Venugopal highlighted the relentless efforts of ASHA workers who operate tirelessly within the health sector. Venugopal criticized the meager daily wage of Rs 233, which many workers do not receive consistently, and noted the lack of retirement benefits. For the past 30 days, ASHA workers have been a persistent presence in front of the Kerala Secretariat, a fact that inspired the parliamentary protest.

MP N. K. Premachandran of the Revolutionary Socialist Party reinforced this stance, citing the indefinite strike by ASHA workers, now in its 32nd day. The primary demands include better living conditions, retirement benefits, and performance-based incentives. Amidst calls for dialogue, the central and state governments have yet to engage with the activists, leading to heightened tensions and continued demonstrations.

On the occasion of International Women's Day, a significant protest led by ASHA workers took place in Thiruvananthapuram. Despite the Kerala Health Department's decision to settle overdue payments and relax certain honorarium criteria, ASHA workers remain firm on their demands, refusing to end the strike without a salary hike.

Reacting to the ongoing unrest, Kerala's Leader of Opposition, VD Satheesan, accused the state's Left Democratic Alliance government of not honoring its promise of a Rs 21,000 monthly honorarium. He criticized the government's suppressive tactics against female protesters and emphasized Congress's support for the ASHA workers, who juggle a heavy workload for a minimal state honorarium of Rs 7,000.

(With inputs from agencies.)