Thiruvananthapuram: The day-and-night protest by ASHA workers in front of the Secretariat has entered its 48th day, while the indefinite hunger strike continues for the 10th day. The hunger strike is being led by Shailaja S, Beena Peter, and Anitha Kumari.
Despite the ongoing protest, the state government continues to ignore their demands. After a meeting with the minister on March 19, no further updates have been provided. In response, the protest committee has decided to stage a symbolic protest by cutting their hair on March 31, marking the 50th day of the strike, ASHA protest leader S. Mini announced. Similar demonstrations will be organized at district centers across the state, she added.
Meanwhile, the Puducherry government has increased ASHA workers’ honorarium from ₹10,000 to ₹18,000, proving that states have the authority to increase wages independently. In light of this, the Kerala ASHA Health Workers’ Association has urged the state government to follow Puducherry’s example and raise ASHA workers’ honorarium, said association president V. K. Sadanandan.
