Thiruvananthapuram: Talks between Kerala Health Minister Veena George and protesting ASHA workers failed once again, with no resolution on key demands. The workers rejected the proposal to form a committee to study their issues and decided to continue their protest. However, talks with the ASHA workers staging a hunger strike in front of the Secretariat will resume on Friday. This was the third round of negotiations between the minister and the Kerala ASHA Health Workers Association (KAHWA), which is leading the protest. Trade unions such as CITU and INTUC were also invited to participate.

As in the previous meetings, no decision was reached regarding the increase in honorarium or retirement benefits, said protest committee leader S Mini. The Minister proposed appointing a committee to study the issues, a suggestion accepted by unions other than the protesting association.

"There was no discussion about increasing the honorarium or retirement benefits. We did not accept the proposal for a committee. The government, as always, only assures support but takes no action. They say they are willing to increase the honorarium, but nothing is being done. Even after requesting a mere Rs 3,000 increase, there was no response. We are dissatisfied with the talks and will continue the protest strongly. The government spends thousands of crores on various schemes but remains silent on our demands. If called, we will attend the next meeting," Mini said.

Other unions that participated in the discussions accepted the proposal to form a committee to study ASHA workers' demands. The government maintained that an immediate increase in honorarium was not feasible. Expressing their disagreement with the government’s stance, the protesting ASHA workers decided to continue their strike. Finance Minister K N Balagopal also participated in the discussions.

Earlier, Minister Veena George had met with Union Health Minister J P Nadda. Following the discussions, she said the Central Government was seriously considering an increase in incentives. Meanwhile, the association remained firm on its demands for an honorarium hike and a retirement benefit of Rs 5 lakh. The talks were held as the ASHA workers' protest entered its 53rd day.

‘Discussions were recorded in full, protest must end’

Health Minister Veena George stated that a committee would be formed to examine the issues faced by ASHA workers. Representatives from the Health, Finance and Labour departments will be part of the committee, which has been given three months to submit its report.

"Discussions were held in two phases. The Finance Minister participated online in the first phase. The government has taken a favourable stance towards ASHA workers’ demands and has done everything possible for them," the Minister said.

"A committee will be formed with representatives from the health, finance, and labour departments, and a report will be submitted within three months. The protest must be called off. Trade unions have responded positively to the government's stance. The protesting organisation has been given time to deliberate on the matter. The entire discussion has been recorded. The government is taking an inclusive approach, and the talks were highly constructive. Whether the protesters accept it or not, the government will proceed with the committee. The seriousness of the issue is evident from the multiple rounds of discussions held," the minister asserted.