MDM Workers Submit Memorandum to DEO Seeking Resolution of Long-Pending Issues
Adilabad, June 20 Telangana Voice
Under the leadership of AITUC Adilabad District General Secretary Sirra Devender, members of the AITUC-affiliated MDM Telangana Mid-Day Meal Scheme Workers Union on Saturday submitted memorandums to District Education Officer (DEO) D. Madhavi and District Education Administration Officer A.D. Venugopal Goud.
The union representatives urged the education authorities to address the pressing issues faced by Mid-Day Meal workers serving in government schools across the district. The memorandums were submitted as part of a statewide call given by the union.
The workers demanded the immediate withdrawal of the proposed centralized kitchen system, stating that it would adversely affect the livelihoods of thousands of cooking staff employed under the Mid-Day Meal Scheme. They also sought the release of nine months of pending bills pertaining to the academic year 2023-24.
The union further demanded that the newly introduced breakfast programme for the current academic year be entrusted to the existing Mid-Day Meal workers and that the government immediately announce clear operational guidelines for its implementation.
The memorandum also called upon the government to supply all essential commodities, including cooking gas, eggs and other food materials required for the scheme, instead of placing the burden on workers.
Among the major demands raised by the union were:
- The breakfast scheme should be assigned exclusively to Mid-Day Meal workers.
- The Mid-Day Meal Scheme should not be handed over to private agencies under the guise of a centralized kitchen system.
- The Congress government’s promise of ₹10,000 honorarium to cooking workers should be implemented without delay.
- Government identity cards should be issued to all cooking workers.
- Mess charges per student should be increased to ₹25.
- Accident insurance coverage should be provided to all workers.
- Workers should not be removed from service on political or any other unjustified grounds.
- Pending breakfast scheme bills and honorarium arrears should be cleared immediately.
The union appealed to district officials to take up these issues with the State Government and ensure speedy resolution of the problems faced by Mid-Day Meal workers.
Union members M. Santosh, Vimala, Rekha, Sujatha, Devamma, Roopa, Anasuya, Sandhya Rani and Lavanya participated in the programme.
