Shillong, July 14: The Meghalaya PM POSHAN (Mid-Day Meal) Cook-cum-Helpers’ Union has demanded that the Central Government raise the monthly honorarium of Cook-cum-Helpers from the existing ₹900 to ₹9,000, while also seeking better welfare measures and the immediate release of pending payments.
The demands were raised during a meeting of the Union’s office-bearers from across Meghalaya held at Wahingdoh Community Hall, Shillong, under the leadership of Adviser Bah Khroo L. Pariat and President Kong Gina Nengnong.
Addressing the media, Bah Khroo L. Pariat said that with the Monsoon Session of Parliament currently underway, the Union believes it is an appropriate time to urge the Central Government and Members of Parliament to take up the concerns of PM POSHAN Cook-cum-Helpers in both Houses of Parliament.
He said Cook-cum-Helpers have been serving under the PM POSHAN Scheme for many years by preparing nutritious meals for lakhs of schoolchildren, yet the honorarium they receive remains inadequate to support their families.
Apart from seeking an increase in the monthly honorarium to ₹9,000, the Union has also demanded social security benefits, retirement assistance, insurance coverage and other welfare measures to recognise the contribution of Cook-cum-Helpers.
The Union further expressed concern over delays in the disbursement of honorariums, stating that payments for April, May and June have not yet been released, leaving many workers and their families in financial distress.
Union President Kong Gina Nengnong said several representations have already been submitted to the authorities, but no satisfactory response has been received. She appealed to both the Central and State Governments to immediately release the pending honorariums and seriously consider the long-pending demand for a substantial increase in wages.
During the meeting, Cook-cum-Helpers were also urged to continue carrying out their responsibilities diligently and to ensure that the rice and other food items supplied under the PM POSHAN Scheme are of good quality. They were advised to promptly report any deficiencies in food supplies to the concerned authorities.
The Union reaffirmed its commitment to continue pursuing its demands until the Government of India takes concrete steps to provide fair wages, timely payment of honorariums and proper recognition for the vital role played by Cook-cum-Helpers in supporting the nutrition and education of schoolchildren under the PM POSHAN Scheme.
