The United Democratic Front-led Kannur Corporation has proposed financial aid for Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) amid a protest by a section of them outside the Secretariat in Thiruvananthapuram, demanding a hike in their honorarium.

Deputy Mayor P. Indira, presenting the Budget for the year 2025-26 on Thursday, proposed to provide an annual incentive of ₹24,000 to ASHAs under the civic body’s jurisdiction, with ₹2,000 to be disbursed every month. The allocation is subject to approval from the District Planning Committee and will be drawn from the Corporation’s own funds.

Major allocations in the Budget include ₹40 crore for converting the old Kannur bus stand into a muti-purpose convention centre, ₹4 crore for waste management, and ₹1 crore for making anganwadis child-friendly. Other significant allocations include ₹2.5 crore for the welfare of the differently abled, ₹50 lakh for dialysis support for renal patients, and ₹3.38 crore for the health sector.

Key infrastructure projects proposed include a ₹1-crore night market, a sports complex at Palliyamoola at a cost of ₹20 lakh, ₹1 crore for a commercial complex at Marakkarkandi, and ₹3 crore for the development of heritage city streets.

Other projects include an initial survey for a railway parallel road from Thazhae Chovva to Thazhae Theru at a cost of ₹50 lakh, ₹1 crore for a ropeway at Payyambalam, and ₹2 crore for a coastal tourism project. A ₹6-lakh allocation has been made for training women in heavy vehicle operation.

A new Nagarashri Award will be instituted to recognise local talents, with ₹1 lakh set aside for three annual awards.

Protests held

Meanwhile, the Budget session was marred by protests by Opposition councillors. CPI(M) councillor T. Raveendran accused the ruling party of ignoring Opposition demands.

Outside the council hall, BJP district president K.K. Vinod Kumar led a group of protesters demanding action on various civic issues. The demonstrators later continued their agitation at the Corporation office gate, raising slogans against the ruling party.