THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The discussions held on Thursday between Health Minister Veena George and the ASHA workers protesting in front of the Secretariat failed to reach a resolution. With no breakthrough achieved, the talks are set to continue on Friday. Representatives from the Kerala ASHA Health Workers Association, CITU, INTUC and other organisations participated in the meeting.

Protest committee leader S Mini said that no decision was made regarding the demands for an honorarium hike and retirement benefits. The minister proposed appointing a committee to study the issues, a suggestion accepted by all organizations except the ASHA Health Workers Association. Mini said that they were not satisfied with the discussions and would continue their protest. She also confirmed their participation in the next round of talks.

The protest committee remains firm on its key demands—an increase in honorarium and a retirement benefit of ₹5 lakh. The renewed talks with Veena George took place as the ASHA workers' strike entered its 53rd day.