Dharmendra Pradhan, the Union Education Minister, has asked Telangana’s Chief Minister, Revanth Reddy, to raise the salaries of cooks who provide mid-day meals in government schools. This request was made in a letter on Monday, highlighting the guidelines of the Prime Minister Poshan Abhiyan.
Union leaders for Telangana’s mid-day meal cooks recently met with senior ministers, including Pradhan and Bandi Sanjay Kumar, the Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, in New Delhi. They submitted a petition asking for higher pay and better social security.
Pradhan addressed concerns about outstanding Central funds, confirming all dues had been settled. He promised to discuss the issue with the state government to ensure any remaining payments are processed.
He suggested increasing the monthly salary to Rs 17,000 and including ESI and PF benefits as per labor laws. Pradhan emphasized the importance of respecting and protecting these essential workers.
This appeal comes as mid-day meal workers in Telangana express frustration over low pay and lack of protection, despite their vital role in supporting school children’s welfare.
