Kerala’s ASHA Workers Protest Over Pay, Rights

Why in the News ?

Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) in Kerala have been protesting for over two months demanding fair wages, removal of conditional honorarium, and retirement benefits, highlighting the gap between their crucial role and meagre compensation.

Kerala’s ASHA Workers Protest Over Pay, Rights

Why ASHA Workers Are Protesting ?

  • ASHAs receive ₹7,000 as monthly honorarium and ₹3,000 fixed incentive, with extra pay in tribal areas.
  • Payments are tied to fulfilling strict work criteria.
  • Despite Kerala offering one of the highest honorariums, workers argue their real earnings are much lower than claimed.
  • Their major demand: increase honorarium to ₹21,000, ensuring minimum wage compliance (₹700/day).
  • Also seek ₹5 lakh retirement benefit, removal of conditional payments, and formal recognition as regular workforce.

Government’s Stand on the Issue

  • The State claims ASHAs fall under the Union scheme, limiting its power to revise employment terms or wages.
  • Blames the Centre for withholding ₹636 crore NHM grant, worsening payment delays.
  • The government offered to form a committee for future discussions but rejected the demand for an interim ₹3,000 hike.

Current Status and the Road Ahead

  • The Union Health Minister announced plans to revise ASHA incentives but gave no timeline.
  • Talks between the Kerala government and ASHA unions remain inconclusive.
  • ASHAs stress permanent job status to ensure financial security and dignity.

About ASHAs (Accredited Social Health Activists):

●      ASHAs (Accredited Social Health Activists) are community health volunteers under the National Health Mission (NHM), launched via NRHM in 2005.

●      They work alongside Anganwadi Workers under the Integrated Child Development Scheme (ICDS).

●      ASHAs are local women (aged 25-45) with at least Class 10 education.

●      One ASHA serves every 1,000 people; 9.2 lakh in rural and 79,900 in urban areas (2022-23).

●      Duties: maternal care, immunization, TB & malaria screening, first aid, and reporting vital events.

●      Challenges: low pay (₹5,000-₹15,000), irregular payments, no fixed salary, social security, or pension.

●      Despite WHO award (2022), job regularization remains unaddressed.