UDF Government Keeps Promise to ASHAs
The first Cabinet meeting of the UDF government in Kerala has brought a smile to the faces of Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) as their honorarium is set to increase by ₹3,000. This move has been hailed as a victory for the ASHAs, who had been fighting for fair wages and retirement benefits for a long time.
A Long-Drawn Battle
The ASHAs had waged a 266-day strike in front of the Secretariat, demanding better working conditions and benefits. Despite their efforts, the previous LDF government did not pay much heed to their demands. However, the new Chief Minister, V.D. Satheesan, had promised to look into their demands if the UDF came to power.
The ASHAs are elated that the Chief Minister has kept his word and increased their honorarium. According to M.A. Bindu, general secretary of Kerala ASHA Workers’ Welfare Association (KAHWA), this is not just a victory for the ASHAs but also for all democratic workers’ movements. She said that the ASHAs were treated with disdain during their strike, but the new government’s move has restored their dignity.
Demand for More
Although the ASHAs are happy with the increase in their honorarium, they are not satisfied yet. They are demanding a monthly honorarium of ₹21,000 and one-time retirement benefits. The Chief Minister has promised to look into their demands and take a decision soon.
The strike by the ASHAs has inspired other women workers’ movements in the state. The ASHAs believe that their struggle has empowered them and will be an inspiration for others to fight for their rights. With the new government’s move, the ASHAs will now receive a monthly honorarium of ₹12,000, a significant increase from the ₹7,000 they were receiving earlier.
- The UDF government has increased the honorarium of ASHAs by ₹3,000.
- The ASHAs had been demanding fair wages and retirement benefits for a long time.
- The Chief Minister had promised to look into their demands if the UDF came to power.
- The ASHAs are demanding a monthly honorarium of ₹21,000 and one-time retirement benefits.
Source: Original Article
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