AWFFI Criticises Politically Motivated ASHA Workers Strike in Kerala

Thiruvananthapuram: The ongoing indefinite strike by a section of ASHA workers in front of the Kerala Secretariat has drawn sharp criticism from the ASHA Workers and Facilitators’ Federation of India (AWFFI), affiliated with the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU). In a press release issued on March 3, 2025, by CITU General Secretary A R Sindhu, accused the strike, led by the Socialist Unity Centre of India (Communist) SUCI -affiliated Kerala ASHA Health Workers Association, of being “politically motivated” and undermining the broader struggle for the rights of ASHA workers across the country.

The strike, which began on February 10, 2025, has seen workers demanding an increase in monthly honorarium to Rs. 21,000, clearance of pending wages, revocation of the retirement age fixed at 62, and a lump sum retirement benefit of Rs. 5 lakh.

AWFFI press release criticized the SUCI-led strike for its confrontational approach and alleged political undertones. The union accused the striking workers of ignoring the Kerala government’s efforts to address their demands and instead focusing on vilifying CITU and the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government.

“The strike is not representative of ASHA workers in general but is led by a minority union with vested interests,” the release stated. AWFFI emphasized that the SUCI-affiliated union had refused to withdraw the strike despite assurances from the government on pending wages, additional payments for extra work, and the establishment of a welfare fund pension scheme.

AWFFI mentioned that the Kerala government’s proactive measures to support ASHA workers, including providing the highest additional remuneration in the country (Rs. 7,000 per month) and removing restrictive conditions for fixed monthly payments. The union also pointed out that the state government had assured workers of increased wages and a pension scheme, despite financial constraints caused by the central government’s withholding of NHM funds.

“The Kerala government has been forced to go to court to secure its share of tax revenue and NHM allocations from the central government,” the release noted. “Despite these challenges, the state has consistently prioritized the welfare of ASHA workers.”

AWFFI accused the SUCI-led strike of being exploited by right-wing forces, citing the presence of BJP leaders at the protest site and Union Minister Suresh Gopi’s threat to withhold salaries of non-striking ASHA workers. AWFFI added that the strike was part of a larger campaign to discredit the LDF government and weaken the Left’s influence in Kerala.

“The strike’s leaders have failed to acknowledge the central government’s role in undermining the NHM and cutting health budgets,” the release stated. “Instead, they have chosen to target the Kerala government, which has been a strong advocate for ASHA workers’ rights.”

CITU called for unity among ASHA workers and other scheme workers to combat the central government’s anti-worker policies. AWFFI announced plans for a national convention on April 12, 2025, to mark the 20th anniversary of the NHM. The convention will focus on demanding regularization of ASHA workers, a minimum wage of Rs. 26,000, and social security benefits.

“The real fight is against the neoliberal policies of the central government, which are eroding the rights of workers and undermining the federal structure of our country,” the release emphasised.