In a recent development, the Kerala government has characterized the ongoing hunger strike by Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHA) as a result of the workers' "stubborn and headstrong" attitude, asserting that the state has exhausted all avenues for negotiation.
The protest, which has now entered its 39th day, escalated to an indefinite hunger strike on March 20, 2025, following unsuccessful negotiations with the state government. Three ASHA workers—M.A. Bindu, R. Sheeja, and K.P. Thankamani—initiated the hunger strike, representing hundreds of their colleagues demanding higher honorariums and retirement benefits.
Excise Minister M.B. Rajesh, speaking on behalf of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, addressed the Kerala Assembly, stating that the impasse is due to the protesters' intransigence. He emphasized that the government had issued an order on March 12, relaxing ten eligibility criteria for receiving the honorarium, indicating its willingness to address some of the workers' concerns.
Opposition Leader V.D. Satheesan urged the government to engage in earnest efforts to resolve the crisis. He acknowledged that while it might not be feasible to meet all demands immediately, the government should address those that are attainable to alleviate the workers' grievances.
ASHA workers have been agitating for over a month, seeking an increase in their daily wage from ₹232 to ₹700, along with retirement benefits. Despite multiple rounds of negotiations, including discussions with Health Minister Veena George, no consensus has been reached. The government has cited financial constraints as a barrier to meeting the wage hike demands.
The prolonged protest has garnered widespread public support, with various sections of society expressing solidarity with the ASHA workers. The Pinarayi Vijayan government faces mounting criticism from opposition parties and civil society groups. The ASHA workers have vowed to continue their hunger strike until their demands are met, indicating a potential for further escalation if the deadlock persists.
As the situation unfolds, the focus remains on whether the state government will revisit its stance and engage in renewed negotiations to address the pressing concerns of the ASHA workers.