Thiruvananthapuram/New Delhi: A section of ASHA workers in Kerala intensified their protest on Thursday by launching an indefinite hunger strike, demanding better pay and post-retirement benefits. This escalation comes after talks with the state government failed, and as Health Minister Veena George’s scheduled meeting with Union Health Minister J P Nadda in Delhi did not take place.

Speaking to reporters in Delhi, George said a letter seeking an appointment with Nadda was sent through the Kerala House Resident Commissioner, but "he was probably busy." She added that two representations had already been submitted to the Union Health Ministry, and another meeting request was pending.

"I had previously met him and raised the issue of ASHA workers' incentives and honorarium, and he had assured a positive intervention," George said.

Meanwhile, outside the Secretariat in Thiruvananthapuram, three ASHA workers began an indefinite hunger strike after 39 days of protest. The workers accused the Left government of "corruption" and "cruelty" for ignoring their demands.

The Congress-led UDF also extended support, with its MLAs marching to the protest site after boycotting the Kerala Assembly. Leader of Opposition V D Satheesan, who led the march, urged the government to resume talks with the workers.

"The ASHA workers’ demands are genuine. I personally requested Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan to address their concerns, and his response was positive. The government must continue the dialogue," Satheesan said. He also criticized Nadda for not meeting George, stating it was his obligation to engage with a state health minister seeking an appointment.

ASHA workers, who have been protesting since February 10, are demanding a hike in their honorarium from ₹7,000 to ₹21,000 and post-retirement benefits.

The Kerala government claims it has not received central funds under the National Health Mission (NHM) for 2023-24 to cover ASHA workers’ incentives. However, the central government denies this, asserting that the funds were withheld due to Kerala’s failure to submit a utilization certificate. Nadda had previously announced in Parliament that the NHM Mission Steering Group had decided to increase ASHA workers' incentives.