One year on, ASHA workers in Karnataka await promised honorarium; to strike again on February 12

ASHA workers in Karnataka to stage another strike, demanding a long-promised increase in honorarium amid unmet government assurances.

More than a year after Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced in January 2025 that Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHA) workers in Karnataka would be paid a fixed monthly honorarium of ₹10,000, the decision is yet to be formally notified and implemented, triggering another round of protests. There are around 42000 ASHA workers in Karnataka.

ASHA workers have called for another strike on February 12, marking their third major protest since the announcement last year. The first protest was held in August 2025, nearly six months after the promise was made, followed by another protest in December during the winter session. ASHA Union members say the repeated agitations reflect growing frustration over the government’s failure to translate its assurances into action. 

Also Read | Right to dignity: On ASHA and anganwadi workers’ protests

At present, ASHA workers receive ₹8,000 per month, including all benefits. With their workload expanding and living costs rising, particularly in Bengaluru, the workers have been demanding a revision in remuneration since 2024.  

The ASHA Workers’ Union has been seeking a fixed monthly honorarium of ₹15,000, along with an additional ₹2,000 for city-based workers. A ₹10,000 fixed honorarium, however, was reiterated by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on January 11, 2025, following a detailed meeting with Health Department officials and representatives of the ASHA Union.

The meeting had also resulted in assurances that workers would continue to receive incentives for additional tasks undertaken as part of their duties, and that they would be entitled to three months of paid leave in case of hospitalisation due to serious illness.