The Fight for ASHA Workers in Kerala
For 21 days, the voices of Kerala’s ASHA workers have resonated outside the state secretariat, with 26,140 women demanding three months’ unpaid wages and an increase from their meager Rs 7,000 monthly honorarium. “Every payment comes after a strike,” stated S Mini, vice president of the Kerala ASHA Health Workers’ Association. “Sometimes, we wait eight months.” Their struggle is met with delays and excuses, yet they find solidarity in the working class.
Community Support and Government Neglect
Auto-rickshaw drivers offer free rides, and voluntary groups provide food and water, illustrating the shared hardship faced by the community. The government claims it cannot raise ASHA wages due to financial constraints. However, while professing empty coffers, it has more than doubled the salaries of Kerala’s public service commission members. The chairman’s salary recently surged from Rs 76,450 to Rs 224,100, while other members now receive Rs 219,000, up from Rs 70,290. The contrast is stark: ASHA workers, the backbone of Kerala’s public health system, must fight for survival, while bureaucrats enjoy inflated salaries.
The Value of Healthcare Workers
This situation underscores a troubling reality: in the arithmetic of governance, some lives remain cheaper than others. As ASHA workers continue to advocate for their rights, it is essential to recognize their invaluable contribution to society.
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