Agartala, January 03, 2025:  Seeking the fulfillment of their nine demands, members of the Mid-Day Meal Cook cum Helper Welfare Committee staged a march and headed towards the Chief Minister’s residence for a deputation today.

“The Mid-Day Meal workers come from extremely poor backgrounds,” said Convener Bir Kumar Debbarma. “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,” he added.

The committee also put forth a list of nine demands, including:Raising the minimum salary of Mid-Day Meal workers to INR 18,000; Providing salaries for 12 months instead of 10 months; Offering an annual bonus to the workers; Ensuring monthly payment of salaries; Regularizing irregular Mid-Day Meal workers; Prohibiting the termination of Mid-Day Meal workers; Introducing a pension scheme for the workers; Providing a one-time financial assistance of INR 5 lakh at the time of retirement; and Initiating a provident fund for the workers.

The march represents a significant effort by the Mid-Day Meal workers to seek better working conditions and financial stability.