ASHA workers call off 266-day protest following honorarium hike; actor Premkumar joins victory celebrations

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) workers gathered outside the Government Secretariat to celebrate the successful culmination of their historic 266-day round-the-clock protest, following the newly formed V. D. Satheesan administration's decision to hike their monthly honorarium. To mark the victory of their prolonged agitation, the workers distributed sweets and payasam at the venue.

The celebratory gathering was inaugurated by actor and former Kerala State Chalachitra Academy Chairman Premkumar. Notably, Premkumar had been removed from his academy post by the previous Pinarayi Vijayan-led government after he publicly voiced support for the ASHA workers' strike.

The landmark agitation, widely recognised as one of the most resilient women-led protests in the capital's history, commenced on February 10, 2025. The workers had hit the streets demanding a revised monthly honorarium of ₹21,000 and a retirement benefit package of ₹5 lakh.

Fulfilling a key grievance immediately upon assuming power, the V. D. Satheesan cabinet approved a ₹3,000 hike in the ASHA workers' honorarium during its very first ministerial meeting, effectively bringing an end to the nearly nine-month-long standoff.