Hundreds of Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) workers intensified their 36-day protest in Thiruvananthapuram, laying siege to Kerala’s Secretariat to demand post-retirement benefits and a substantial hike in their honorarium. The agitators, who gathered at their protest site before moving to block the Secretariat’s gates, squatted on roads and raised slogans, signaling their resolve. Despite police barricades and a deployment of over 800 personnel, the demonstration reportedly did not disrupt the Secretariat’s operations.

The ASHA workers, vital to Kerala’s grassroots healthcare, have been vocal about their struggles. One protester from Kollam, a widow supporting two children and an elderly mother, told the media, “How can we survive on this meagre income when prices are soaring?” Their demands include raising their monthly honorarium from Rs 7,000 to Rs 21,000 and securing a Rs 5 lakh retirement benefit—requests unmet despite assurances from Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda of an impending incentive hike under the National Health Mission (NHM).

The ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) has faced criticism for its handling of the crisis. LDF convenor T.P. Ramakrishnan defended the coalition, alleging a “hidden agenda” behind the protest and urging workers to target the central government instead. The state blames the Centre for withholding NHM funds for 2023-24, while the Centre counters that funds were disbursed, pending Kerala’s utilisation certificate. This blame game has left ASHA workers in limbo, vowing to persist until their demands are met, spotlighting a deepening rift between state and central authorities.