ASHA workers in Kerala to chop hair in bold protest escalation
ASHA workers in Kerala have decided to escalate their protest by staging a hair-cutting demonstration on Monday as their strike reaches its 50th day. Frustrated by the government’s inaction, some protesters launched an indefinite hunger strike last week outside the Secretariat in Thiruvananthapuram.
Mini S, a leader of the protesting ASHA workers, criticized Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan for ignoring their demands. She accused him of showing concern for animals amid the heatwave warning but remaining silent on ASHA workers enduring the scorching sun for weeks. She vowed they would not back down until the government accepted their demands.
“For the first time, I am cutting my hair as part of a protest,” Mini S said. “Many ASHA workers from different districts will do the same. It will be a powerful moment in our agitation.”
The protesting workers are demanding post-retirement benefits and higher honorariums. However, the Left government insists that a steep hike is impractical and blames the Centre for failing to address ASHA workers’ demands. Kerala claims it has not received funds under the National Health Mission (NHM) for 2023-24.
The central government refutes this claim, arguing that funds are ready but awaiting Kerala’s utilization certificate. Once submitted, the Centre says it will release the funds.
Meanwhile, Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda announced in Parliament that the NHM’s Mission Steering Group has decided to increase ASHA workers’ incentives. However, protesters remain skeptical and determined to continue their agitation until concrete action is taken.
