ASHAs to mark 50th day of stir with ‘haircut’ protest in Kerala

Workers hope the move will draw greater public attention to their demands, which include retirement benefits, better pay

Kerala ASHA Health Workers’ Association members during their indefinite hunger strike demanding enhanced wages near the Secretariat on Sunday Photo | B P Deepu

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The ASHA worker's protest outside the Secretariat enters the 50th day on Monday, ASHA workers have decided to amp up pressure on the government by cutting their hair as a symbolic gesture.

Many people, including leaders and activists of the Kerala ASHA Health Workers Association, will take part in the ‘hair cut strike’ at the protest venue at 11 am. They hope the move will draw greater public attention to the workers’ demands.

“Despite the ASHA workers’ struggle emerging as a powerful model of democratic protest, the government continues to ignore their legitimate demands. While officials have held so-called “discussions” and pressured strike leaders into calling off the agitation, they have failed to offer any concrete solutions,” said S Mini, the vice-president of the Kerala ASHA Health Workers Association.

“The ASHAs’ demands are just and the union remains open to talks if the government is willing to engage sincerely. Instead of resorting to insults and baseless accusations, the authorities must recognise the dignity of the women workers and address their grievances,” she said.

Meanwhile, the indefinite hunger strike by the ASHA workers will enter its 12th day on Monday. Currently, S S Anithakumari (Palode FHC), Beena Peter (Puthanthope CHC) and S B Raji (Vattiyoorkavu FHC) are on fast. Anithakumari and Beena have completed 5 days of hunger strike, while Raji is continuing her hunger strike after two days. Kerala ASHA Health Workers Association general secretary M A Bindu, R Sheeja of Puthukuruchi FHC, K P Thankamani of Thrikannapuram UPHC, Shobha M of Vattiyoorkavu UPHC and S Shailaja of Kulathur UPHC were the first to observe the fast.

ASHA workers have been protesting in front of the Secretariat since February 10, demanding an increase in honorarium, retirement benefits, and improved service conditions. Though the government conducted a series of discussions, a solution is yet to be arrived. It insisted that a decision can be reached only when the Centre makes changes to the service conditions.