ASHA Workers’ Protest in Karnataka Enters Third Day Over Unmet Wage Promises

ASHA Workers’ Protest in Karnataka Enters Third Day

Demonstrators demand ₹10,000 monthly honorarium and other benefits promised by the government

Bengaluru, August 14, 2025 – The statewide protest by Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHA) has entered its third consecutive day, with hundreds of workers gathering at Freedom Park in Bengaluru and similar demonstrations reported across various districts. The protesters are demanding the immediate implementation of assurances given by the Karnataka government, including a minimum monthly honorarium of ₹10,000.

Frustration Over Government Inaction
Carrying banners and raising slogans, the protesters expressed anger over the government’s delay in fulfilling commitments.
“Does the government not understand our pain? It is disappointing that our appeals have gone unheard. We will continue our sit-in until our demands are met,” said T.C. Ramya, State Vice-President of the Karnataka State United ASHA Workers’ Association.

Unfulfilled Promises from January Protests
According to protest leaders, during an earlier agitation in January, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had promised an increase in the monthly honorarium to ₹10,000, along with an additional ₹1,000 increment. While 27,000 ASHA workers have reportedly received the revised honorarium, nearly 15,000 are still waiting for the benefit.
“The government must release the increased amount for everyone without delay,” the protesters urged.

Key Demands
The ASHA workers’ demands include:

• Immediate implementation of the ₹10,000 monthly honorarium, combining the state’s contribution with the central government’s partial incentive, effective from April 2025.

• Honorarium increment for ASHA workers on par with Anganwadi and mid-day meal workers, who received increases in the March 2025 state budget.

• Assurance that no ASHA worker will be removed from service under the pretext of “rationalisation” or changes in population-based work allocation.

• Withdrawal of what they call “unscientific” performance evaluations of ASHA workers.

• Continuation of ASHA facilitators with fair wages.

• Introduction of retirement benefits similar to those in West Bengal.

• An additional ₹2,000 honorarium for ASHA workers in urban areas.

• Implementation in Karnataka of the increased central government incentive announced in June–July.

  

ASHA Workers’ Crucial Role
ASHA workers serve as a critical link between the community and the public health system, especially in rural and underserved areas. They are responsible for tasks such as maternal and child health services, vaccination drives, and health awareness campaigns. Despite their contribution, protests over wages and working conditions have been recurring across India for years.

Looking Ahead
With the protest entering its third day and no formal response from the government so far, the demonstrators have vowed to intensify their agitation until their demands are met.

Key Quotes

1. T.C. Ramya, State Vice-President, Karnataka State United ASHA Workers’ Association:

   “Does the government not understand our pain? We will not step back until every ASHA worker gets what was promised.”

2. Protest Leader (Bengaluru):

   “The Chief Minister’s words in January gave us hope. Seven months later, that promise remains only on paper.”

3. Senior ASHA Worker from Raichur:

   “We work day and night for the health of our communities, yet we have to fight for fair pay. This is injustice.”

4. Association Spokesperson:

   “27,000 workers have received the increment, but 15,000 are still left out. Equal work deserves equal pay — without discrimination.”