As the protest by the Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) demanding a hike in honorarium continue in the State capital, a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-ruled local body in Kottayam has decided to provide an additional monthly allowance of ₹7,000 for them.
The Mutholy grama panchayat, near Pala, has taken a decision in this regard in its annual Budget, which was presented theother day.
According to Ranjith, president of the local body, the council’s decision was to provide an additional allowance, which is equal to the honorarium being offered by the State government to ASHAs at present. A fund of ₹12 lakh has been set aside in the Budget for the purpose. With this hike, each of the ASHAs will receive an additional income of ₹84,000 per year
13 ASHAs
The panchayat has 13 ASHAs, all of whom will receive an extra ₹7,000 per month along with their existing honorarium and incentives. “We have made this decision in recognition of their dedication. ASHAs put their own lives and health at risk, especially during emergencies like the Covid-19 pandemic,” panchayat president said.
The development assumes significance especially as the protest by ASHAs outside the Secretariat has completed 46 days. “The State government is adopting a dismissive approach towards ASHAs. The government and the ruling party are adopting a stance that insults the strike that is being waged for reasonable demands. The sentiment of the country is reflected in the decision of the panchayat, which provides relief to the workers who are the health warriors of society,” said G. Lijin Lal, president, Kottayam West district unit of the BJP.
Published – March 27, 2025 07:19 pm IST
