Kerala ASHA Workers' Protest Ends After Major Victory

After 265 days of relentless protest, ASHA workers in Kerala have decided to pause their agitation outside the state secretariat. The protest, which demanded a hike in the honorarium and post-retirement benefits, was successful in securing several concessions from the central and state governments.

The Kerala ASHA Health Workers Association (KAHWA) confirmed that while the protest method is changing, the fight continues. The central government has increased the workers' fixed incentive by Rs 1,500 and provided Rs 50,000 for those with over 10 years of service. Meanwhile, the state government, despite initial reluctance, raised the honorarium by Rs 1,000 and formed a committee to address further needs.

Despite ending the current protest mode, which included hunger strikes and head shaving, workers are committed to grassroots-level action in districts. Plans for a major rally on February 10, 2026, mark a strategic shift to ensure their voices are heard and demands are fully realized.