Sat Apr 19 16:28:03 UTC 2025: ## Kerala ASHAs Win Reprieve: Retirement Age Freeze Announced

**Thiruvananthapuram, April 19, 2025** – Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) in Kerala have won a significant victory in their ongoing protest against mandatory retirement at age 62. The government has officially frozen an order implementing this retirement age, effectively halting its enforcement.

ASHAs, who play a crucial role in the state’s healthcare system, had been protesting since February 10th, demanding better remuneration and retirement benefits. The Kerala ASHA Health Workers’ Association (KAHWA) led the demonstrations, with activists staging a sit-in outside the Secretariat.

While the government had previously claimed the order was frozen, the official announcement came only recently, following talks between ASHAs and the Health Minister on March 19th. Although this addresses the retirement age issue, the ASHAs’ demands for increased honorarium and retirement benefits remain unfulfilled. While initially seeking a ₹21,000 honorarium, KAHWA has indicated a willingness to accept a ₹3,000 increase as a temporary compromise, pending further negotiations.

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