Archive · 22 May 2025
Kerala Bishop Condemns Low ASHA Wages, Supports Protesting Health Workers
A bishop in Kerala is speaking out in support of healthcare workers called ASHAs, who are protesting for better pay.
He believes the current daily wage of ₹232 is not enough and goes against the state's values.
These workers have been protesting for over three months, asking for a higher daily wage and retirement benefits.
The bishop is also pointing out that the government spends a lot on other projects, but isn't paying the health workers fairly.
He is giving some money to help these workers and hopes the government will increase their pay soon.
Many other leaders also support the protesting ASHAs, bringing attention to their important work in public health.
Bishop Mar Yuhanon Meletius criticized the low wages of ASHAs, calling it an insult to Kerala's democratic values.
ASHAs are protesting for 102 days, demanding a daily wage of ₹700 and a retirement benefit.
The Bishop contrasted the government's investment in infrastructure projects with the low pay for health workers.
Social activist Kusumam Joseph highlighted the government's celebrations while ASHAs protest for better wages.
Various socio-political and cultural leaders expressed solidarity with the protesting ASHAs.
- Who
- Mar Yuhanon Meletius, M.A. Bindu, Kusumam Joseph, and other socio-political and cultural leaders support the ASHAs.
- What
- ASHAs are protesting for better wages and benefits.
- When
- The protest has been ongoing for 102 days; the article was published on May 22, 2025.
- Where
- Thrissur, Kerala
- Why
- ASHAs are protesting for better wages and benefits.
- ASHA Daily Wage
- ₹232 per day
- ASHA Demands
- ₹700 per day, ₹5 lakh retirement benefit
- Protest Duration
- 102 days
- Protest Lead
- M.A. Bindu
- Bishop's Support
- 10 ASHAs, ₹1,000 per month for one year