Thiruvananthapuram: After an unprecedented 265-day day-and-night protest outside the Kerala Secretariat, the state’s ASHA workers have decided to end their long sit-in. However, the Kerala ASHA Health Workers Association (KAHWA) has made it clear that the movement is far from over — announcing that the agitation will now continue at the district and grassroots levels across the state.
The ASHA workers, who form the backbone of Kerala’s public health system, have been demanding a monthly honorarium of ₹21,000, timely payments, and a one-time retirement benefit of ₹5 lakh. In response, the state government announced a ₹1,000 increase in their monthly honorarium, raising it to about ₹8,000.
While KAHWA leaders acknowledged this as a partial victory, they described the small hike as “insulting” given the intensity and duration of their struggle. Still, the protest achieved one crucial goal — it compelled the government to recognize their demands and clear long-pending arrears.
Though the protest outside the Secretariat will officially end on November 1, ASHA workers will now take their campaign to district headquarters and local communities to maintain pressure on the government. A mass rally is also planned for February 10, 2026, marking one year since the start of the agitation, to demand full implementation of their demands.
Additionally, KAHWA leaders hinted at political action in the upcoming local body elections, saying they would actively campaign against the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) if the government continues to neglect their issues.
The 265-day protest underscores the persistent challenges faced by India’s frontline health workers — from inadequate wages and job insecurity to lack of social welfare benefits. ASHA workers, who played a critical role during the pandemic, say they deserve fair pay and recognition for their service to public health.
The decision to shift the agitation from a centralized protest in the capital to a statewide grassroots movement represents a new strategic phase — transforming a symbolic sit-in into a sustained fight for dignity and justice.
As the banners come down at the Secretariat, Kerala’s ASHA workers march on — their spirit unbroken, their message clear: respect, recognition, and rightful pay are non-negotiable.
