CPI(M) politburo member Brinda Karat has urged ASHA workers, who have been protesting on the streets for more than 50 days, to “not allow their platform to be misused.”
Since February 10, under the leadership of the Kerala ASHA Workers' Association (KAHWA), a dominant section of ASHA workers in Kerala has been agitating in the state capital, raising several demands—including recognition as employees rather than volunteers and a shift from the current ₹7,000 honorarium to a minimum wage of ₹21,000.
When asked about the ASHA workers' protest at the Madurai Party Congress, Karat said that it was essential to identify who was responsible for their plight.
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“There is no doubt that ASHA workers across India are struggling because of the central guidelines issued in 2005 by the UPA government. I remember being in Parliament when the concept of ASHA workers was first proposed as part of the rural health mission. If you look at the speeches made at the time, including mine, you will find that we strongly opposed the idea that those responsible for delivering healthcare-related services to the most remote rural areas should not receive a minimum wage. The guideline states that they will always remain voluntary helpers—a policy that remains unchanged to this day,” she said.
The veteran politburo member added, “I would say to my sisters in Kerala that we are 100% in support of ASHA workers' demand to be recognised as government employees and regular workers. Not just once or twice—we have been consistently raising our voices for this.”
When asked about a possible solution, Karat said that it was up to the leaders of the struggle to find one. “It is not for me to find a solution,” she said. “But I would only request my sisters to stay united because I feel their pain, and I understand the issues at hand. As I have said before, the fundamental issue is the recognition of ASHAs as workers.”
Notably, the Political Resolution for the 24th Party Congress adopted at the Central Committee meeting of CPI(M) in January also takes a similar line. “The Central government has set the framework for anti-labour practices in its treatment of its own employees such as scheme workers, a large majority of whom are women. It is shameful that the central government, exploiting women’s desperate need to earn an income, refuses to provide even basic rights such as a minimum wage, pensions, etc., to the lakhs of workers employed in services such as Anganwadis, Mid-day Meal workers, ASHA etc. The Modi government has proved to be the most anti-worker government,” says the resolution which is now being debated and discussed at Madurai.
Meanwhile, in Kerala, the ASHA workers' protest has surpassed 50 days. On the 50th day, workers intensified their agitation by cutting their hair, in addition to the hunger strike.
Amid the ongoing protest, Kerala’s Education Minister stirred controversy by suggesting that ASHA workers should send their cut hair to the central government, as the responsibility for increasing their honorarium lies with the Centre.
Today, Kerala’s health minister held another round of discussions with ASHA workers. However, no consensus was reached.
