Chhattisgarh's Mid-Day Meal Cooks Demand Fair Wages Amid 22-Day Protest

Thousands of mid-day meal cooks in Chhattisgarh, mostly women, have been protesting for 22 days, demanding an increase in their daily wages from Rs 66 to over Rs 400. Their labor sustains school nutrition schemes, but many struggle to meet basic needs. State government response remains absent.

In Raipur, Chhattisgarh, thousands of mid-day meal cooks, predominantly women, have continued their resolute protest for 22 days, demanding their daily wages be increased from a meager Rs 66 to over Rs 400.

The cooks form the heart of the state's school nutrition program, yet their personal lives face hardship as they struggle to survive on low incomes. Many protesters hail from rural and tribal backgrounds, working tirelessly as they keep classrooms running.

Despite the ongoing protest under the 'Chhattisgarh School Madhyanh Bhojan Rasoiya Sanyukta Sangh' banner, the state government has not addressed their demands. State Congress chief Dipak Baij has extended support, but officials remain unavailable for comment.

(With inputs from agencies.)