Kerala govt invites ASHA workers' unions for fresh talks

Thiruvananthapuram

The Kerala government has invited Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) workers, who have been protesting for 52 days outside the Secretariat, for another round of discussions to resolve their demands. Health Minister Veena George will meet with representatives of ASHA workers and trade union leaders on Thursday, sources said.

The invitation follows George’s meeting with Union Health Minister J P Nadda in Delhi. Previous discussions with the protesters did not yield results, as the government cited financial constraints in accepting their demands.

ASHA workers welcomed the fresh talks but insisted they would continue their protest until the government issues an official order addressing their concerns. V K Sadanandan, president of the Kerala ASHA Health Workers' Association (KAHWA), confirmed that National Health Mission (NHM) officials reached out for discussions. We have clear demands, and we hope this meeting will focus on resolving them, he said.

Mini S, another protest leader, emphasized that their hunger strike had entered its 14th day. The talks should center on our demands for an honorarium hike and pension benefits. The protest will end only when our demands are met, she stated.

George had earlier mentioned that the central government was considering increasing ASHA workers’ incentives. ASHA workers recently intensified their protest, with several shaving their heads in protest against the government's alleged indifference.