Thiruvananthapuram: On International Women’s Day, ASHA (Accredited Social Health Activist) workers in Kerala intensified their protests, demanding fair wages and retirement benefits. Their agitation highlights the ongoing struggles of women workers in the healthcare sector. Meanwhile, a political dispute has erupted between the Kerala government and the Centre over the release of funds meant for ASHA workers’ incentives.
State Government’s Stand
Kerala Finance Minister K N Balagopal has accused the Centre of delaying the release of ₹100 crore in pending payments for ASHA workers. Speaking in Kollam, he urged the Union government to increase honoraria for all scheme workers, including ASHA workers. He also mentioned that Kerala has been raising this issue during pre-budget meetings with the Union Finance Minister for the past two years.
Additionally, the State Health Minister’s office refuted claims that the Centre had fully allocated funds for Kerala’s centrally sponsored health schemes in the last financial year. According to the Kerala government, ₹636.88 crore meant for the state in 2023-24 has not been disbursed due to disputes over co-branding. The government claims that out of ₹826.02 crore expected from the Centre, only ₹189.15 crore has been received for infrastructure maintenance and in-kind grants, leaving ASHA workers’ incentives unpaid.
Centre’s Response
Union Minister of State for Minorities and Fisheries George Kurian dismissed the Kerala government’s allegations, asserting that the Centre had already provided more funds than claimed. He accused Kerala’s ministers of misleading the public and stated that an investigation would reveal the truth. Kurian further mentioned that a meeting between Union Minister Suresh Gopi and Union Health Minister J P Nadda confirmed that the funds had already been allocated to Kerala.
As ASHA workers continue their protests, the dispute between the state and central governments over fund allocation remains unresolved.
