ASHA Workers Launch Statewide 72-Hour Protest in Karnataka Over Honorarium Hike Demand
Bengaluru, August 12, 2025 — Thousands of Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHA) across Karnataka began a 72-hour round-the-clock protest on Tuesday, demanding the fulfilment of long-pending assurances, including a minimum monthly honorarium of ₹10,000.
The protest, spearheaded by the Karnataka Rajya Samyukta ASHA Workers’ Union, will continue until August 14 at district-level locations across the state. The main rally in Bengaluru is being held at Freedom Park.
Workers Cite Broken Promise by State Government
Union State Secretary D. Nagalakshmi said the protest was triggered by the state government’s failure to act on a promise made earlier this year.
“In January, we protested demanding an increase in the monthly honorarium. During a meeting chaired by the Chief Minister, the government assured us that from April onwards, each ASHA worker would receive at least ₹10,000, combining the state honorarium and the central government’s partial incentive. But even after four months, no official order has been issued,” Nagalakshmi told reporters.
Key Demands of the Protesters
The ASHA workers’ charter of demands includes:
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Immediate implementation of the promised ₹10,000 monthly honorarium, with effect from April 2025, inclusive of state and central incentives.
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Parity with other schemes: Just as Anganwadi and mid-day meal workers received a hike to ₹10,000 in the March 2025 state budget, ASHA workers want the same benefit.
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Reversal of workload changes: Withdrawal of the decision to increase the population coverage limit per worker under the guise of “rationalisation,” and assurance that no ASHA worker will lose her job.
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Fair performance assessment: Elimination of what they call “unscientific” performance evaluation methods.
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Job security for facilitators: Continuation of ASHA facilitators’ roles with appropriate salaries.
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Retirement benefits: Introduction of a lump-sum retirement grant on the model of West Bengal.
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Urban allowance: Increase in honorarium by ₹2,000 for ASHA workers in urban areas.
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Central incentive implementation: Enforcement of the increased central government incentive announced in June–July this year.
Broken Promises Spark ASHA Workers’ 3-Day Protest Across Karnataka
Statewide Mobilisation
Protest sites have been set up in all districts, with workers staging sit-ins day and night. Many have travelled long distances to participate. In Bengaluru, hundreds gathered with placards and slogans demanding “justice for frontline workers.”
“We have been the backbone of rural and urban health outreach for years, but our work is undervalued. If our demands are not met, we will intensify the agitation,” warned Nagalakshmi.
Background: ASHA Workers’ Role
ASHA workers form a critical link between communities and public healthcare systems, engaging in maternal and child health services, immunisation drives, and disease prevention campaigns. Despite their crucial role, they are classified as “volunteers,” receiving only honorariums and incentives instead of fixed salaries.
For years, unions have argued that this classification leads to poor job security, low pay, and lack of benefits, even though the work often demands full-time commitment.
Government Response Awaited
As of Tuesday evening, the state government had not issued an official statement regarding the fresh protests. In the past, officials have cited budgetary constraints and ongoing negotiations with the Centre as reasons for delays in implementing wage hikes.
However, union leaders insist the government must honour its own assurances before workers lose faith entirely.
Key Quotes
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“In January, the Chief Minister assured us ₹10,000 per month from April. It’s August, and there’s still no order. We cannot survive on empty promises.” — D. Nagalakshmi, State Secretary, Karnataka Rajya Samyukta ASHA Workers’ Union
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“We are not asking for charity; we are demanding fair pay for essential health work that keeps communities safe.” — An ASHA worker at Freedom Park protest site
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“Our demands are clear — implement the ₹10,000 honorarium, stop increasing our workload unfairly, and ensure no ASHA loses her job.” — Protest leader in Bengaluru
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“If Anganwadi and mid-day meal workers got the hike, why are ASHA workers left out? We are frontline workers too.” — Union member from Mysuru district
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“We will continue our agitation day and night until the government issues the order it promised.” — ASHA worker addressing the crowd
