Mid-Day meal workers protest in Chamba, seek better wages

The Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU)-affiliated Mid-Day Meal Workers’ Union Block Committee, Kalhel, staged a protest at Nakrod, Chamba district, on Monday, demanding higher wages and better working conditions.

The protest, chaired by block president Hoshiara Ram, saw participation from CITU district president Narender and general secretary Sudesh Thakur, who highlighted the worsening financial struggles of mid-day meal workers, many of whom are widows and sole earners for their families.

Currently, workers receive Rs 3,500 from the state government and Rs 1,000 from the Central Government, but payments are often delayed. Despite rising inflation, there has been no wage increase, forcing workers to rely on credit for basic needs. The union criticised the Central Government for not increasing the Mid-Day Meal Scheme budget for over a decade and accused it of attempting privatisation by outsourcing the scheme to NGOs.

Another key issue raised was job insecurity. Workers are paid only for 10 months a year without any paid leave, and many have lost their jobs due to a rule requiring at least 25 students per school. School closures and mergers have worsened the situation, leaving workers unemployed without financial assistance.

Additionally, the union pointed out that many schools in Chamba still rely on firewood for cooking meals, despite repeated complaints.

The protesting workers demanded timely wage payments, a salary increase, year-round employment and job security. They warned that if their concerns are not addressed soon, they will launch a more intense agitation.

The protest saw participation from numerous mid-day meal workers, including Naseema, Chandramani, Savitri, Bobby, Sardaro, Mido, Acchari, Sakina, Balo, Chen Akhtar, Dei, Devli, Huma, Naro, Tulsi, Salima, Tajbibi, Desraj, Gokul, Mumtaz, Kanto Devi and many others.