ASHA workers urge Centre to release pending hike, seek minimum wages of ₹28,000

The Mysuru district committee of the Karnataka State United ASHA Workers’ Association on January 27 submitted a memorandum addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging the Union government to release the increased remuneration announced by Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda in July 2025.

The AIUTUC-affiliated Karnataka State United ASHA Workers’ Association handed over the memorandum addressed to the Prime Minister to the office of Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar, Mysuru MP, in the city on January 27.

The memorandum also contained a list of long-pending demands by the ASHA workers, including the release of a ₹1,500 hike and other component-wise increases reportedly announced by the Centre in July 2025, along with retirement benefits.

The memorandum said the ASHA workers should be recognised as government employees, and until then, the minimum wage of ₹28,000 recommended by ILO for workers should be implemented.

While demanding an increase in retirement benefits to ₹5 lakh, the Association said the government should also announce pensions for retired ASHA workers.

The memorandum pointed out that ASHA workers have served people with dedication for the past 18 years as a vital link between the Health Department and the general public by delivering healthcare services.

“Health Department records confirm that health indicators have improved significantly due to their services. For rendering such important services to society, greater encouragement from the government is essential. In the present times of rising prices, a living and dignified wage has become a necessity,” the memorandum said before seeking the fulfilment of their long-pending demands in the forthcoming Union Budget.

Regarding the announcement on the increase in the honorarium to ASHA workers in July 2025, the Association said, “It is extremely unfortunate that the increased amount has not yet been released to the States.”

In the upcoming budget, ASHA workers should be recognised as workers in line with ILO recommendations and a minimum wage of ₹28,000 should be implemented,” the Association said.