Congress instructs local bodies to raise ASHA workers' wages

The Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee President, K. Sudhakaran, has called upon Congress-led local bodies to provide additional wages to Accredited Social Health Activists workers, as their indefinite strike reaches its 50th day. The ASHA workers are demanding an increase in their monthly honorarium from ₹7,000 to ₹21,000, along with retirement benefits and the clearance of pending payments.
The strike, which began over a month ago, has seen thousands of ASHA workers protesting in front of the state Secretariat in Thiruvananthapuram. Their demands have garnered support from various political leaders and organizations. K. Sudhakaran and Leader of Opposition V.D. Satheesan have expressed solidarity with the protesters, criticizing the state government's handling of the situation. They have also announced plans for Congress workers, including members of the women's wing, to take to the streets in support of the ASHA workers.
In a notable development, the Muhtholy Grama Panchayat, a BJP-ruled local body in Kottayam district, has announced a monthly allowance of ₹7,000 for ASHA workers. This decision was incorporated into the Panchayat's 2025-26 annual budget, allocating ₹12 lakh to ensure that the 13 ASHA workers employed there receive the additional amount, effectively doubling their current honorarium. Panchayat President Ranjithji Meenabhavan stated that this move recognizes the tireless efforts and sacrifices of ASHA workers, especially during emergencies like the COVID-19 pandemic.
The state government has maintained that ASHA is a centrally funded scheme and any revision of the honorarium depends on increased contributions from the Centre. This stance has led to a deadlock in negotiations, prompting ASHA workers to intensify their protest by launching an indefinite hunger strike. The hunger strike commenced at 11 AM on a Thursday, marking the 39th day of their protest.
The Congress party has taken issue with a letter from the state government warning protesters to return to work or face replacement. Sudhakaran announced that, in response to this "threatening letter," party workers would burn copies of the circular in front of the 1,200 local bodies across the state. Additionally, on March 3, under the 14 district Congress committees, workers plan to gather before the state Secretariat and the 13 district collectorates to further demonstrate their support for the ASHA workers' demands. Open URL