THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: ASHA workers in Kerala have been protesting day and night in front of the secretariat in Thiruvananthapuram for days. The Centre has now made it clearer regarding the allocation for ASHA scheme. The Center has clarified that it has not neglected Kerala in providing the scheme's allocation. However, Kerala's argument is that the Center has shown complete neglect.

Kerala has released the figure of Rs 636 crore to be received from the National Health Mission (NHM) in 2023-24, including the incentive for ASHA workers. The Center says that Kerala has been given more than the budget allocation this financial year. The budget allocation was Rs 913.24 crore. This year, Rs 938.80 crore was given. In addition, Rs 120 crore was given as an additional grant.

Kerala has the amount required to pay the wages of ASHA workers this year. Kerala did not meet the NHM norms, including co-branding, last financial year. Due to non-compliance with the norms, the amount for the last financial year lapsed. The total amount given last year was Rs 190 crore, and the rest lapsed. The Center has clarified that they should not be blamed for the old amount lost due to defaults and non-compliance with the norms.

Kerala's argument is as follows--the amount to be received in NHM share in 2023-24 is 636.88 crores. The amount to be received for centrally sponsored projects is 826.02 crores. The total amount received is 189.15 crores. The remaining amount to be received is 636.88 crores and the money is not being paid due to co-branding conditions. Kerala said the money was not paid even after the conditions were fulfilled.