Karnataka Govt Yet to Fulfill ASHA Workers’ Wage Hike Promise – Association Calls for Urgent Action
Bengaluru, March 17, 2025 – ASHA (Accredited Social Health Activist) workers across Karnataka are urging the state government to fulfill its commitment to increasing their minimum monthly honorarium to ₹10,000, as promised by the Chief Minister in January 2025. The ASHA Workers’ Association has called for an official order to be issued implementing this decision, emphasizing that the government must uphold its word.
Background: A Long-Standing Struggle
From January 7 to 10, 2025, ASHA workers across the state staged an intensive protest demanding better wages and benefits. On January 10, Chief Minister [Name], along with the Health Minister and senior health department officials, met with representatives of the ASHA Workers’ Association. After prolonged discussions, the Chief Minister assured them that, starting from April 2025, every ASHA worker would receive a minimum honorarium of ₹10,000 per month, inclusive of incentives.
During this meeting, the Commissioner of the Health Department publicly announced this decision before a gathering of over 20,000 ASHA workers at Freedom Park. The Chief Minister also reiterated this commitment in the media. Additionally, it was decided that if any ASHA worker received an amount lower than ₹10,000 due to variations in incentive-based payments, the government would cover the shortfall to ensure the promised minimum wage.
Unfulfilled Promises: No Official Order Issued
Despite the assurances, ASHA representatives who recently met with the Health Minister and senior officials have yet to receive any clear response regarding the issuance of the official order. Two months have passed since the budget announcement, yet no directive has been issued.
Moreover, the government had committed to holding a pre-budget consultation with the ASHA Workers’ Association, but this meeting has not taken place. While the 2025-26 budget allocated an additional ₹1,000 to Anganwadi and mid-day meal workers, similar increments for ASHA workers have not been officially confirmed.
ASHA Workers Express Discontent
ASHA workers initially celebrated the government’s announcement, expecting the new wage structure to take effect from April. However, the absence of an official order has led to widespread disappointment.
“The government’s delay in issuing the promised order is deeply concerning. We trusted the assurances given to us, but it appears that words are not being followed by action,” said Rama T.C., State Vice President of the ASHA Workers’ Association.
Concerns Over Sudden Policy Changes
Instead of implementing the promised wage hike, the government has introduced changes to the ASHA program without consulting the workers. One such change is the sudden termination of ASHA supervisors (Sugamkars), who have been managing ASHA workers for the past 12 years while receiving a monthly payment of just ₹6,000.
“The abrupt removal of ASHA supervisors without an alternative solution is unjust. Previously, officials had discussed increasing their honorarium and travel allowances. Now, they are simply being dismissed without any consideration,” an ASHA leader stated. The association demands that the government reinstate these supervisors and allow them to choose between their current role or an ASHA worker position with better pay.
Additionally, the government has reportedly issued an order to terminate ASHA workers over 60 years old, leaving many who have served for 16 years suddenly unemployed. The association insists that the retirement age should be increased to 62, aligning with other states, and that proper retirement benefits be introduced.
ASHA Workers’ Key Demands
- Immediate Issuance of Official Order – The government must formally implement the promise to provide a minimum monthly honorarium of ₹10,000 to all ASHA workers, along with additional incentives for extra work.
- Budget Allocation for Wage Hike – An official confirmation of the ₹1,000 wage increase for 42,000 ASHA workers, in line with the increase granted to Anganwadi and mid-day meal workers.
- Consultation with the Association – The Health Minister and department officials must hold a meeting with ASHA representatives to resolve long-standing issues.
- Reinstatement of ASHA Supervisors – Instead of abrupt dismissals, the government must either provide higher honorariums or allow ASHA supervisors to continue their work with improved benefits.
- Retirement Age Revision – The retirement age for ASHA workers should be increased to 62, and proper retirement benefits should be introduced.
A Call for Government Action
ASHA workers have played a crucial role in the state’s healthcare system, particularly during the pandemic, and their contributions must be recognized. The association has now urged the government to act swiftly and ensure that its commitments are honored.
“If the government does not issue the necessary orders immediately, we will have no choice but to intensify our protests,” warned a senior ASHA representative.
With thousands of ASHA workers depending on these assurances, the ball is now in the government’s court to uphold its promises and support these frontline health workers.
