The agitation by ASHA workers for better service and wage conditions took on a new form on March 31. Senior leaders of their organisations had their heads tonsured on the 50th day of their protest, marking an escalation of their struggle. It was a dramatic challenge to the Pinarayi government of the CPM-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) and a powerful demonstration of frustration, driven by the government’s reluctance to respond to their demands.
The ASHA workers’ protest began as a call for better treatment and benefits. On March 31, ASHA workers from various districts gathered outside the Secretariat. Holding their severed hair as a symbol of protest and anger, they cried out, “Where will they (the Chief Minister and his ministerial colleagues) leave all these sins? The Chief Minister, Health Minister, and Finance Minister will have to pay a heavy price for the ASHA workers’ suffering.” Their voices rang out in anguish, tears streaming down their faces.
One protester questioned how they could survive on just Rs 232 a day. She criticised Health Minister Veena George (CPM) for claiming that Rs 232 was sufficient for them. The protester challenged Veena George to try surviving on such an amount herself. She declared, “If the government continues to ignore us, we will die here.” It is a gruelling struggle, yet the ASHA workers have vowed to continue their fight until their demands are met.
Kerala: Veena George claims to represent ASHA workers strike at Delhi, but meets Cuban delegation
Writes: T Satisan#Kerala https://t.co/z0TVWciFLM
— Organiser Weekly (@eOrganiser) March 23, 2025
Several BJP workers across the state tonsured their heads on March 31 to express solidarity with the poor ASHA workers.
Kerala: BJP extends support to protesting ASHA workers, while ruling CPM leaders resort to abusive remarks
Reports: T Satisan#Kerala #BJP #CPM https://t.co/gG4ZjG7ieg
— Organiser Weekly (@eOrganiser) March 2, 2025
Many ASHA workers pointed out that while CM Pinarayi Vijayan and his family went to watch the controversial film Empuraan, he has yet to speak to the protesters. Their representatives went so far as to declare that the Pinarayi government had been voted into power with the support of ASHA workers as well. However, they vowed that in 2026, they would ensure this government does not return to power, as both ASHA workers and ordinary labourers would refuse to vote for the communist government again. One protester stated that Veena George should not assume they are illiterate and incapable of understanding the gravity of the issue.
