Implement long-pending demands, say nutritious noon meal employees

Members of the Tamil Nadu Nutritious Meal Employees Association here on Tuesday staged a protest to advocate for the fulfilment of several long-standing demands.

N. Visalakshi, the association’s district president, pointed out that the DMK had promised a monthly pension of ₹6,750 for all workers in its election manifesto.

She expressed deep disappointment that despite the administration of Chief Minister M.K. Stalin taking office, this promise was yet to be translated into actual benefits for noon meal workers.

Ms. Visalakshi raised concerns regarding the staff issue of the nutritious meal scheme. While the State’s midday meal and breakfast programmes were hailed as flagship initiatives, she noted that over 60,000 vacant positions were currently hindering their effective operation.

She emphasised that even with the staff’s total commitment, the lack of manpower prevents the scheme from functioning at its full potential.

The protesters presented a list of demands, including, nutritious meal employees should receive gratuity benefits equal to those of other government employees; female workers in this sector should be granted 12 months of paid maternity leave, matching the benefits provided to other government sectors; a fixed allowance of ₹300 should be provided to cover costs when workers are required to travel for training in other districts or the state capital; the State government should ensure that workers receive timely increments and allowances based on their years of experience and the quality of their service.