ASHA workers began a three-day protest here on Tuesday, in support of their pending demands.

The ASHA workers have sought an honorarium of ₹10,000 per month, which was promised to them by the Congress during the run-up to the 2023 Assembly elections. The promise was also reiterated subsequently by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah; however, the agitating workers were peeved as it was yet to be fulfilled.

The protest is part of a State-wide agitation being held in all districts of Karnataka under the aegis of All India United Trade Union Centre (AIUTUC), which has demanded that the government fulfil its promise.

Addressing the agitating ASHA workers, retired professor Kalachanne Gowda stated that their relentless efforts have significantly reduced maternal and infant mortality rates, creating an environment where such incidents are almost negligible. But he expressed regret that successive governments have failed to ensure the collective welfare of the ASHA workers by providing them adequate benefits and facilities.

“Every benefit has to be fought for and secured,” Mr. Gowda said, and urged the government to honour the assurance given by the Chief Minister during the January protest in Bengaluru by approving the fixed honorarium of ₹10,000 and also fulfil other demands.

Chandrashekar Meti, district secretary of AIUTUC, drew attention to the ASHA workers’ agitation in January this year, after which Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced a fixed monthly honorarium of ₹10,000 for them. However, it has not yet been implemented. Moreover, the ₹1,000 announced in the budget has been received only by around 12,000 out of the 42,000 ASHA workers in the State.

Against this backdrop, the ASHA workers have been compelled to take up this protest, said Mr. Meti, adding that the agitation will continue till their demands are met.

G.S. Yashodhar Seema, district president of AIUTUC; Bhagyamma, president of the ASHA Association, and others were present.