The Kerala government has released ₹54.86 crore to pay the full three-month honorarium for over 26,000 ASHA workers, covering June, July, and August at ₹7,000 per month—despite the central government delaying ₹100 crore in incentive funds.
Kerala, which already pays the highest ASHA honorarium in the country, has once again proven its leadership in supporting grassroots health workers. While the Centre is yet to release its 60% share of the incentives, the state has ensured uninterrupted payments by bridging the gap entirely from its own budget.
ASHA workers, vital to Kerala’s acclaimed public health system, are also pushing for further improvements, including a raise in honorarium to ₹21,000 and long-term welfare measures like pensions and retirement benefits.
