Karnataka’s ASHA workers are gearing up for a strike on February 12. This is their third major protest since January 2025, when Chief Minister Siddaramaiah promised a fixed monthly honorarium of ₹10,000. Despite this promise, the government has not yet formally notified or implemented the pay hike. Currently, about 42,000 ASHA workers in the State receive ₹8,000 per month, including benefits. With rising living costs and increasing workload, especially in Bengaluru, they have been pressing since 2024 for a raise. The ASHA Workers’ Union demands ₹15,000 monthly plus ₹2,000 extra for city workers. However, Siddaramaiah reaffirmed the ₹10,000 figure in a January 11, 2025 meeting with Health officials and union members. The meeting also promised continued incentives and three months of paid leave for serious illness hospitalisation. But union leaders say, “none of the assurances have materialised so far.” Mahalakshmi P., an ASHA worker, said, "We have been fighting for fair treatment for nearly a decade." She recalled protests in February 2024 ended after the Chief Minister’s assurance, yet “nothing has moved on the ground.” Rama T.C., State vice-president of the ASHA Workers’ Union, stressed, “The workers are central to healthcare delivery in both rural and urban areas, but continue to be neglected.” She added, “We ensure basic healthcare and hygiene even in the most remote corners of the State. Yet, we are treated the worst.” Despite multiple meetings with the Health Minister and Commissioner, results are lacking. The union also reminded the government to increase budget allocation for ASHA workers in the upcoming State Budget. The workers hope the Budget reflects these promises, even as the ₹10,000 honorarium remains unnotified.