ASHA workers in Kerala have been protesting for over 50 days, demanding better pay, retirement benefits, and recognition as permanent employees. Their demands include a ₹21,000 monthly honorarium and ₹5 lakh retirement benefits. On Monday, some workers shaved their heads while others cut their hair, marching down MG Road in Thiruvananthapuram in a symbolic protest.
The state government claims Kerala offers the highest honorarium among states but cites financial constraints and delayed central funds for unmet demands. Health Minister Veena George recently flew to Delhi to raise the issue with Union Health Minister JP Nadda, while opposition leaders and MPs have criticised the government’s handling of the protests.
A Symbolic Protest: Haircuts and Marches
The protests have reached a dramatic phase with workers resorting to symbolic acts like shaving their heads and cutting their hair. Marching down MG Road, they carried chopped hair as a sign of frustration and solidarity. Workers argue that their current honorarium of ₹7,000 is insufficient and demand recognition as permanent employees.
Congress leader VD Satheesan criticised Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan for neglecting workers’ issues, asking, “What kind of communist are you?” Health Minister Veena George defended the government, stating Kerala provides higher incentives than other states but blamed the Centre for withholding National Health Mission (NHM) funds.
Escalation: Hunger Strikes and Political Reactions
The protests began in February with demands for overdue payments and better working conditions but escalated after police disrupted protestors shielding themselves from rain. On March 17, workers laid siege to the Secretariat by blocking gates and squatting on roads. Leaders announced an indefinite hunger strike starting March 20 after talks with state officials failed.
MPs like Suresh Gopi distributed supplies to protesters, condemning police actions as discriminatory. Meanwhile, Veena George flew to Delhi to present ASHA workers’ demands to Union Health Minister JP Nadda, who assured that incentives would be reviewed nationally.
Systemic Challenges: Centre-State Tensions
The state government has cleared some pending dues but resisted core demands due to budgetary constraints. It claims delayed NHM funds from the Centre have limited its ability to meet ASHA workers’ demands. The Centre rejected these claims, stating Kerala had not submitted utilisation certificates required for fund disbursement.
Amid mounting pressure, the NHM Steering Group announced plans to increase incentives for ASHA workers nationally. However, workers remain sceptical about timelines and implementation.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The ongoing struggle of Kerala’s ASHA workers highlights systemic inequities faced by community health volunteers nationwide. While financial constraints are real, dismissing protests as politically motivated diminishes valid grievances. These frontline workers deserve fair compensation and recognition for their critical contributions to public health.
Constructive dialogue between governments and labour groups is essential to resolve such conflicts amicably. What steps can society take to ensure dignity for ASHA workers while fostering collaboration between stakeholders? Share your thoughts!
