Kerala ASHA Workers to Call Off Their 265-Day Protest on Saturday

This decision comes after Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan announced an increase of Rs 1,000 in monthly wages.

While the protest at the secretariat is over, ASHA workers will continue their agitation in the districts, demanding a monthly wage of Rs 21,000 and improved post-retirement benefits.

MA Bindu, general secretary of Kerala ASHA Health Workers Association (KAHWA), stated in a press conference that the protest has been temporarily suspended and is planned to restart in February 2026, coinciding with the anniversary of the 24-hour protests. The association sees the government’s decision to increase wage pay as a partial victory.

The Prime Minister’s announcement increases the monthly wage fee to Rs 7,000, but the association is pushing for Rs 21,000, which is equivalent to the state’s minimum daily wage of Rs 700. Currently, their total earnings, including salaries and wages, stand at around Rs 14,000. More than 26,000 ASHA workers will benefit from the home.