Senior BJP leader Sanjay Tandon assured Mid-Day Meal workers here that he would take up their long-pending demands with Governor of Punjab and Administrator, UT Chandigarh, Gulab Chand Kataria as well as H Rajesh Prasad, Chief Secretary, Chandigarh Administration to ensure that their genuine concerns are addressed at the earliest.
A delegation of the Mid-Day Meal Workers led by Gurbax Rawat, Councillor, submitted a memorandum to Tandon here, highlighting the hardships they continue to face despite playing a vital role in preparing and serving nutritious meals to thousands of government school children under the Mid-Day Meal Scheme.
The workers sought revision of their wages as per the prevailing DC rates in Chandigarh, timely payment of salaries by the 7th of every month, and payment of wages for all 12 months of the year. They pointed out that although they work for 11 months annually, they are paid for only 10 months, causing severe financial hardship.
Responding to the delegation, Tandon said, “The Mid-Day Meal Workers are rendering an invaluable service by ensuring that thousands of children receive nutritious meals every day. Their contribution to the health, nutrition and education of our children deserves recognition, dignity and fair treatment.”
He further said, “The demands raised by the workers are genuine and deserve sympathetic consideration. I will take up the matter with the Hon’ble Governor and the Chief Secretary of the Chandigarh Administration and request them to examine these issues on priority so that the workers receive the justice they deserve.”
Tandon also emphasized that workers engaged in welfare schemes should not be subjected to unnecessary financial uncertainty.
“Timely payment of salaries, fair wages in accordance with DC rates and adequate financial security are essential for the well-being of these workers and their families. I am confident that the Chandigarh Administration will consider their demands positively,” he added.