Minister assures release of pending wages of MDWs
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, May 30 2022:
A delegation of All Manipur Mid-Day Meal Workers' Union called on education minister Th Basanta on Monday and submitted a memorandum demanding early release of honorarium pending for 15 months.
The minister heard their grievances and assured of releasing the pending wages within a few days.
The union team led by its secretary Arambam Thoi, treasurer Kangjam Ibemcha and member Thounaojam Sobita stated in their memorandum that 3369 schools are covered by the scheme with the engagement of around 7000 mid-day meal workers at a monthly honorarium of Rs 1000 only.
While some states have raised the honorarium for MDM workers up to Rs 10,000, Manipur has the lowest rate in the entire country, the memorandum stated.
Besides the low honorarium, they are being denied of their wages for 15 months resulting in immense financial constraints in their lives.
Despite the hardships, they have been continuing their job, the union said and mentioned that, earlier too, they had raised the demand for early payment of the pending wages and increasing the monthly wages to Rs 6000.The union also warned of launching cease work strike unless the government releases their salary within 10 days.
The union also drew attention of the minister over multiple reports of some politicians and their associates threatening to sack some workers for not supporting them in the recent state assembly election, and register their protest against such threats.