SHILLONG: The Union of Cook Cum Helper PM POSHAN Meghalaya has launched a major protest, demanding an increase in their monthly honorarium from the current ₹900 to ₹9,000 and the release of pending state payments.
At a rally in Malki Ground, union adviser Bah Khroo L. Pariat highlighted delays in the state’s monthly share of ₹2,000, with cooks unpaid for two of the past four months despite recent partial disbursements.
Union President Gina Nengnong announced that, in response to being labeled “volunteers” despite 20 years of daily service, cooks will now prepare meals only once a week for October and November.
To prevent food spoilage and ensure children receive rations, they will assist teachers in distributing raw rice directly to students on other days, freeing up time for the cooks to seek alternative income.
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Nengnong stressed that the cooks’ work is essential, not voluntary, and that their dedication has ensured food safety for Meghalaya’s schoolchildren.
She appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Union Cabinet to address their grievances, warning that if the honorarium is not raised by February 2027, the union will withdraw from the PM POSHAN scheme entirely.
A major general meeting is planned for February to decide further action if demands are not met.
(4FrontMedia news)
