AGARTALA: Members of the Mid-Day Meal Cook cum Helper Welfare Committee staged a march today, heading towards the Chief Minister’s residence to submit a deputation outlining their demands.
Convener Bir Kumar Debbarma highlighted the struggles faced by these workers, stating, “The Mid-Day Meal workers come from extremely poor backgrounds. They are financially disadvantaged and are working for a mere Rs 2,500. There are over 11,000 Mid-Day Meal workers in the state. Therefore, we urge the state government to increase their salaries.”
The committee has presented a list of nine demands aimed at improving the working conditions and financial stability of the workers. The demands include raising the minimum salary to INR 18,000, providing salaries for 12 months instead of the current 10, and offering an annual bonus. They also seek the regularization of irregular workers, a monthly salary disbursement system, and a prohibition on termination of employment.
Additionally, the committee has called for the introduction of a pension scheme, a one-time retirement assistance of INR 5 lakh, and the establishment of a provident fund. The march is seen as a significant move by Mid-Day Meal workers to push for better pay and benefits.
Meanwhile, earlier in October, school teachers have raised serious concerns regarding the continuance of mid-day meals provided to school students in Mizoram.
This concern stems from the alleged failure of the government to release sufficient funds for this scheme.
In a joint letter sent to the school education department, the Mizoram Primary School Teachers’ Association (MPSTA) and the Mizoram Middle School Teachers’ Association (MMSTA) stated that they will not be able to provide midday meals to their students from October 18 as it will not be possible for them to pay the cooks and to incur the cooking costs.
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