Kerala Panchayat Steps Up for ASHA Workers with Additional Allowance

A district in Kerala has announced an additional monthly allowance for ASHA workers amid ongoing protests. The Muhtholy grama panchayat will provide an extra Rs 7,000 matching the state's honorarium, reflecting the workers' vital contributions. This move comes as collective talks with the state government fell through.

A section of Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) workers in Kerala has been protesting for 46 days, demanding an increased honorarium. The protest gained new momentum as a BJP-ruled local body declared a monthly allowance increase.

Muhtholy grama panchayat announced an additional Rs 7,000 per month for ASHA workers in its annual budget. This amount matches the honorarium paid by the state government. The announcement follows intensified protests, including a mass hunger strike outside the Secretariat.

The decision comes amid stalled negotiations with the state government, which cites reliance on central funding for ASHA. The panchayat aims to recognize the workers' dedication, especially during emergencies like the COVID-19 pandemic, by allocating Rs 12 lakh specifically for them.

(With inputs from agencies.)