Thiruvananthapuram: The ongoing protest by Kerala’s Accredited Social Health Activists (Asha Workers) entered its 141st day on Monday, with leaders announcing a fresh phase of agitation starting in July, following continued silence from the state government over their demands.
The indefinite strike, which began on February 10, is centred around calls for better pay, retirement benefits, and official recognition of their essential public health work. For over four months, the workers have maintained a relentless day-and-night demonstration near the State Secretariat in Thiruvananthapuram.
Prominent Asha union leader M. A. Bindhu addressed the media at the protest site, expressing frustration with the government’s continued indifference. “Now that the local body elections are approaching, we will intensify our protest by reaching out to 1,000 local bodies across Kerala. We want people to know how the Pinarayi Vijayan government has ignored our legitimate demands,” she said.
Bindhu noted that this fifth stage of protest follows a series of statewide campaigns, including a march from Kasaragod to Thiruvananthapuram and participation in the Nilambur Assembly by-election held on June 19, where they campaigned against Left Democratic Front candidate M. Swaraj. Swaraj was ultimately defeated by a Congress rival.
The workers plan to hold meetings and outreach programmes in each of the 1,000 local bodies across the state. “This protest will now also have a political dimension. We are not backing down,” Bindhu added.
Asha Workers have been demanding a monthly honorarium increase from ₹7,000 to ₹21,000 and a lump sum retirement benefit of ₹5 lakh at the age of 62. They also seek official recognition for their work, which forms the backbone of grassroots public health delivery in Kerala.
Their grievances, however, continue to be ignored by the state government. The protesters have carried out dramatic symbolic actions to draw attention to their cause. On one occasion, many women cut or tonsured their hair in protest, highlighting what they describe as the government’s “cold indifference” to their plight.
The agitation has drawn widespread support from the public, including civil society members, activists, and even mentions in Parliament. Despite this growing solidarity, the government has not taken any steps to resolve the deadlock.
With renewed resolve, the Asha Workers are set to link their campaign to the upcoming local elections in an effort to hold the government accountable and amplify their demands on a broader platform.
With IANS inputs