Mid-Day Meal Cooks in Punjab to See Potential Salary Boost and Improved Working Conditions
Harpal Singh Cheema, Punjab’s Finance Minister, met with representatives of mid-day meal cook unions on Tuesday. Recognizing their invaluable role in nourishing children, he initiated a series of measures to improve their salary, working conditions, and overall well-being.
To address the long-standing issue of salary, Cheema instructed the school education department to form a special committee. This committee, comprising officials from both education and finance departments alongside union representatives, will comprehensively study all aspects of mid-day meal cook salaries. Their report will serve as a crucial step towards a potential salary increase in the near future.
Beyond wages, Cheema emphasized the importance of security and dignity for these dedicated workers. He directed the department to collaborate with banks or insurance companies to provide both health and life insurance coverage to the cooks. This move offers much-needed peace of mind for them and their families.
Furthermore, Cheema focused on streamlining hiring practices and prioritizing experienced cooks. He instructed the department to issue guidelines for school management committees, ensuring preference is given to candidates with prior experience under the mid-day meal scheme. This ensures continuity and expertise in preparing nutritious meals for the children.
To address potential disruptions during unavoidable scenarios like marriage or relocation, Cheema suggested a practical solution. He urged the department to ensure smooth service transitions by advocating for direct bank transfers to mid-day meal cooks even if they change schools. This eliminates delays and inconveniences caused by traditional payment methods.
Finally, recognizing the importance of proper tools and attire for efficient work, Cheema directed the department to swiftly arrange aprons, caps, and gloves for all cooks. This seemingly small gesture signifies a commitment to providing a safe and comfortable work environment, where cooks can focus on their essential task of nourishing future generations.
The meeting concluded with representatives of various unions, including Karamchand Chindalia, Sukhdev Ram Sharma Gholia, and Harjinder Kaur, expressing their appreciation for these positive initiatives. Cheema’s decisive actions offer a ray of hope for mid-day meal cooks in Punjab, promising better-protected livelihoods and enhanced dignity for their crucial role in shaping the future of the state’s children.
But that’s not all! Cheema also wants to improve other aspects of the cooks’ lives. He asked the education department to:
- Create a health and life insurance plan for the cooks.
- Set clear guidelines for hiring mid-day meal cooks, favoring experienced applicants.
- Ensure cooks receive their wages directly into their bank accounts, even during elections.
- Provide the cooks with essential equipment like aprons, caps, and gloves.
Cheema hopes these changes will benefit the cooks and ensure they can continue serving nutritious meals to school children.