Government halts ASHA retirement age of 62; strike to continue

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Kerala government has put on hold the order that set the retirement age of ASHA workers at 62 years. This order, issued on March 2, 2023, has been frozen following discussions with ASHA workers on March 19. Health Minister Veena George had earlier indicated that a decision on this matter would be made. However, demands such as increasing the honorarium and raising the retirement benefit to Rs 5 lakh have not been accepted. The government has also not formed a committee to study these issues within the promised three months. ASHA workers have stated they will continue their strike until their demands are met.

V.K. Sadanandan, State President of the Kerala ASHA Health Workers Association, called the freezing of the retirement age a victory for the strike that has lasted over two months. He welcomed the decision but insisted that the old order be completely withdrawn and the retirement age be set at 65 years.

MLAs K.K. Rama and P.C. Vishnunath visited the protest site. The strike has now entered its 70th day, with three ASHA workers currently on hunger strike. Discussions about the fourth phase of the strike are scheduled for tomorrow.