Odisha Midday Meal Cooks End Protest After Minister’s Assurance
Bhubaneswar, Odisha: The All Odisha Midday Meal Cook‑Cum‑Helper Association has called off its massive sit‑in protest after School and Mass Education Minister Nityananda Gond assured them of key demands.
For nearly a week, more than 20,000 women workers—many with decades of service—had gathered in Bhubaneswar demanding recognition and fair wages under the PM Poshan scheme.
Their grievances included a lack of appointment letters, delayed payments, and an honorarium far below minimum wage standards.
Following discussions, the Minister announced that all cooks and helpers will receive formal appointment letters and identity cards, ensuring official recognition.
He also promised that the monthly remuneration will be disbursed regularly on the 10th of each month.
However, the demand for higher wages remains unresolved. Gond stated that a dedicated committee will be formed to examine salary enhancement and other pending issues.
Workers currently earn just Rs 80 per day, and they are pressing for a monthly honorarium aligned with the minimum wage of Rs 13,860.
The protest’s suspension marks a temporary relief, but the workers have made it clear that they expect swift action on wage revision and arrears.
