Decrying two decades of government apathy, thousands of midday meal cooks and helpers working in schools across Odisha took to the streets of the state capital today to demand fair wages and official recognition.
Organised under the banner of the Odisha Midday Meal Cooks & Helpers Association and led by State President Janaka Pradhan, representatives from all 30 districts staged a massive demonstration outside the Odisha Legislative Assembly, voicing outrage over their monthly stipend of just Rs 3,000.
Protesters Slam ‘Apathetic’ Remuneration
Addressing the gathering, union leaders pointed out that despite performing demanding labour throughout the school day, workers are paid an effective rate of barely Rs 100 per day. They stated that this meagre amount is frequently delayed, making it virtually impossible to sustain a family amidst rising inflation. Union leaders termed the government’s stipend “a drop in the ocean” compared to the effort expected of them.
Digambara Jena, State Convener of the association, attended as the chief guest and urged the state administration to immediately address the workers’ grievances.
Key Demands Submitted in 8-Point Charter
Following the rally, a 6-member delegation submitted an 8-point memorandum to Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and School & Mass Education Minister Nityananda Gond.
The association’s main demands include:
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Fair Wages & Recognition: Implementation of the government’s official minimum wage and formal status as Class-IV state employees, complete with uniforms.
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Social & Health Security: Medical allowances, life insurance coverage, and inclusion in the Provident Fund (PF) scheme.
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Service Conditions: Direct administrative control over appointments and dismissals under the School & Mass Education Department, rather than local management.
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Retirement & Back Pay: Raising the retirement age from 60 to 62 years, release of pending salary arrears dating back to January 2018, payment for summer vacation months (June), and enhanced compensation for accidental death on duty.
The delegation comprised State President Janaka Pradhan, State General Secretary Nirupama Mahanta, along with Revati Gadatia, Malli Nayak, Reena Rout, and Kamalini Mahanta.
Statewide Solidarity
The demonstration saw energetic participation from key union leaders across the state, including State Treasurer Ranjana Kishan, Nunu Jebla, Kokila Mahanta, Satyabati Mahakud, Lilimani Siku, Bhagabati Mahanta, Sukanti Mahanta, Sabita Mohanta, Shantilata Mahanta, Sujata Swain, Ritu Patra, Binu Das, Rajeswari Majhi, Sita Bhoi, Pankajini Mirdha, and Sarojini Jena, alongside representatives from every district branch.
The association warned that if the state government fails to take swift action on their 8-point charter, they will intensify their agitation across Odisha.
