Mysuru: Over 11,000 midday meal workers to lose jobs

MYSURU: Ahead of government schools reopening on Monday, hundreds of midday meal workers who are above 60 years have been relieved from service, without any retirement benefits. The midday meal workers federation has put the estimate at 11,000 workers.
Headmasters have been directed to relieve midday meal workers who completed 60 years as on March 31, 2022. The government circular makes it clear that those relieved are not eligible for any financial benefits. Schools have been asked to recruit new cooks.
Mahadevamma, a midday meal worker at Government Higher Primary School, Channapatna village, Nanjangud taluk, says she started working as a cook in 2003. “I am a widow with no children. I was relieved on March 31. I served for nearly 19 years, and just like that I was asked to leave without any social or financial security. My first salary was Rs 300 per month and my last salary was Rs 2,600,” she rued.
“This is the first time since the launch of the midday meal scheme that this rule is being implemented. Workers are being relieved without any benefits,” said HS Sunanda, honorary president of Mysuru Midday Meal Workers Federation and vice president of the state unit. “Most workers have served for 65 years even though they get only Rs 2,700 per month. We want the government to continue with their services or give them retirement benefits,” she said.
DPI commissioner Dr R Vishal said like in all government departments those who attain 60 years retire, likewise midday meal workers too are being relieved from service.“A poor woman will be recruited in the place of those who are relieved from service,” the commissioner informed.