The announcements come amid continued agitation by ASHA workers in Kerala seeking better pay and retirement benefits. Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Finance Minister KN Balagopal on Thursday announced measures to increase payments to frontline welfare workers while presenting the State Budget 2026, offering relief to thousands of employees and scheme workers across the state. Anganwadi workers will receive a ₹1,000 hike in their monthly honorarium, while Anganwadi helpers will get an additional ₹500. In a major announcement, ASHA (Accredited Social Health Activist) workers’ honorarium will be increased by ₹1,000. The announcements come amid continued agitation by ASHA workers in Kerala seeking better pay and retirement benefits.