Shillong, Oct 9: Meghalaya’s Rajya Sabha MP James PK Sangma will take up the issue of stagnant honorariums of the Midday Meal scheme workers with the central government.
The Meghalaya Cook and Helpers Union held a general assembly at Malki Ground here today to press their demands before the government. The meeting was attended by union leaders and thousands of daily wage workers from across the state.
The workers said their wages have remained unchanged despite rising costs and they are still struggling to sustain their families.
Addressing the gathering, union chairman Khroo L Pariat said the Centre has not heeded their long-pending demand to increase their honorarium from Rs 900 to Rs 9,000 per month. The state government also pays a separate amount as an honorarium. The workers are classed as volunteers, which is why they are not paid a proper salary.
Pariat said if the government does not increase their payment, it should review the implementation of PM POSHAN (known as the Midday Meal scheme), adding that a hike would enable them to work better.
He also said women are the backbone of society and should be respected for the country and the nation to grow.
Sangma, meanwhile, assured a delegation of cooks and helpers that he will take their concerns to the central government.
The workers had recently met Sangma to express concerns over their wages and seek a revision.
“I will request the government of India to heed to their demands so that there can be some kind of resolution to their problems,” Sangma said.
