Will ASHA workers conclude their 266-day protest on Kerala Formation Day?
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Synopsis
The ASHA workers are wrapping up their extensive protest at the Secretariat but shifting their focus to district-level campaigning as Kerala gears up for local elections. Their journey reflects the power of grassroots mobilization, highlighted by the recent wage hike that, while seen as insufficient, symbolizes their moral victory.
Key Takeaways
- ASHA workers conclude 266-day protest
- Shift focus to district-level campaigning
- Monthly honorarium increased to Rs 8,000
- Campaign slogan: 'No votes for those who ignored us'
- Victory Day celebration planned
Thiruvananthapuram, Oct 31 (NationPress) After a remarkable 266-day protest in front of the Secretariat, ASHA workers have decided to conclude their sit-in and shift their efforts to the districts, engaging directly with the community as Kerala approaches local body elections soon.
The ASHA Samara Samithi announced that the protest will officially end on Kerala Formation Day, Saturday, representing a strategic pivot rather than an outright cessation of their efforts.
This decision follows the state government's announcement to increase their monthly honorarium by Rs 1,000, raising it from Rs 7,000 to Rs 8,000.
Though the workers had initially sought Rs 21,000, they deemed the increase as “insufficient” but regarded it as a moral achievement.
“Every right we have gained has been through perseverance,” stated Samithi leader M.A. Bindu.
“Those who once ridiculed our protest now recognize its significance. The government's change of stance is a direct result of our unyielding struggle.”
Association leaders criticized the modest Rs 33-a-day increase, stating it falls short of their demand for minimum wages and pointed out the absence of retirement benefits.
“The nature of our struggle is evolving, but its essence remains unchanged,” declared V.K. Sadanandan, president of the Kerala ASHA Health Workers Association, announcing plans to campaign against the ruling Left Front in the upcoming elections.
ASHA workers intend to initiate a statewide door-to-door campaign under the motto “No votes for those who neglected us.”
Additionally, the organization will observe Saturday as “Victory Day,” with participation from workers statewide.
This protest, recognized as one of the longest sustained labor movements in recent history, has become a symbol of women-led grassroots mobilization.
While the government attributed the wage hike to allied unions like CITU, ASHA leaders assert that the true credit belongs to the dedicated workers.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has introduced various pre-poll welfare initiatives, including increases in social welfare pensions and new benefits for women, pensioners, and youth; however, ASHA workers emphasize that their quest for fair compensation and recognition is far from concluded.
Point of View
It’s crucial to recognize the impact they have made on policy discussions regarding fair wages and working conditions. This movement exemplifies how collective action can initiate change, and as the local elections approach, their voices will undoubtedly resonate louder than ever.
NationPress
13/01/2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the end of the ASHA workers' protest?
The protest concluded following the government’s decision to raise the monthly honorarium by Rs 1,000, although many workers considered this increase insufficient.
What are ASHA workers planning next?
ASHA workers will focus on district-level campaigning and engage directly with the community in the run-up to local elections.
How long did the ASHA workers protest last?
The protest lasted for an impressive 266 days, making it one of the longest labor actions in recent history.
What is the current honorarium for ASHA workers?
The current honorarium for ASHA workers has been raised to Rs 8,000 after the recent increase.
What slogan will ASHA workers use in their campaign?
ASHA workers plan to campaign with the slogan, 'No votes for those who ignored us.'
