Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan announced an allocation of ₹78.48 crore for the honorarium of ASHA workers in the Kerala Budget 2026.
The announcement comes at a time when ASHA workers have been raising demands for higher wages, timely payments, and better welfare benefits. Their protests over the past several months brought attention to the challenges faced by frontline health workers across the state.
Presenting the budget, CM Satheesan said the government recognizes the important role played by ASHA workers in Kerala’s healthcare system. The ₹78.48 crore allocation aims to support their honorarium and strengthen the public health network.
ASHA workers serve as a vital link between communities and health services. They assist with maternal and child healthcare, vaccination drives, disease prevention programs, and public health awareness campaigns.
Many ASHA workers had expressed disappointment over low honorariums and called for greater support from the government. The new budget allocation is expected to provide relief and address some of their concerns.
The announcement has drawn attention because the welfare of ASHA workers was a major issue in Kerala’s political discussions. By setting aside ₹78.48 crore, the government has signaled its commitment to supporting frontline health workers who play a key role in delivering healthcare services across the state.
The allocation stands out as one of the important welfare measures announced in the Kerala Budget 2026.