ASHA workers shave heads in protest against government apathy

Thiruvananthapuram

ASHA workers escalated their protest outside the Secretariat on Monday, shaving their heads and cutting their hair to highlight government apathy. The demonstration, now in its 50th day, saw protesters expressing deep frustration.

Gathering from various districts, they chanted slogans and performed the symbolic act together. One worker, visibly emotional, wept before shaving her head, stating, We struggle to survive on ₹232 daily, yet ministers ignore us. She warned that they would not back down if their demands remained unmet.

Leader Mini S called the protest a powerful statement against government indifference, vowing to expand it statewide. Holding severed hair, workers marched through MG Road, while similar protests occurred in Alappuzha and Angamaly. Some male supporters also shaved their heads in solidarity, and an indefinite hunger strike continued.

ASHA workers demand post-retirement benefits and a higher honorarium, but the state government claims a pay hike is unfeasible, blaming the Centre for withholding funds. The Centre, however, insists payments were made but Kerala failed to submit a utilization certificate.

Meanwhile, Union Health Minister J P Nadda recently announced increased incentives for ASHA workers under the NHM’s Mission Steering Group. Despite this, workers remain determined to fight for their rights.