📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Timothy A. Gonsalves
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Meghalaya mid‑day meal cooks threaten strike over low honorarium
✍️ shillongtoday.com
🗓 09 Oct 2026, 11:45 PM
👁 15
Cooks employed under Meghalaya's mid‑day meal scheme have warned they will quit unless their honorarium is raised, prompting concerns over school feeding services.
Meghalaya's Department of School Education reported that cooks working under the state’s mid‑day meal programme have issued an ultimatum to the government, demanding a hike in their honorarium. The staff, who prepare and serve meals to thousands of schoolchildren daily, say the current allowance does not cover basic living costs.
Union representatives said the cooks approached the state administration last week, seeking a revision of the honorarium that has remained unchanged for several years. They warned that if their demands are not met, they will resign en masse, which could disrupt the feeding schedule in government schools.
The state government has acknowledged the concerns and indicated that a review of the payment structure is underway, though no specific timeline has been provided. Officials emphasized the importance of the mid‑day meal scheme for child nutrition and assured that steps will be taken to avoid any interruption to services.
Education experts have cautioned that any prolonged dispute could affect attendance and learning outcomes, as the meals are a key incentive for students in rural and tribal areas of Meghalaya.
Stakeholders are awaiting a formal response from the department, with the hope that a mutually acceptable solution will be reached before the next academic term begins.
Union representatives said the cooks approached the state administration last week, seeking a revision of the honorarium that has remained unchanged for several years. They warned that if their demands are not met, they will resign en masse, which could disrupt the feeding schedule in government schools.
The state government has acknowledged the concerns and indicated that a review of the payment structure is underway, though no specific timeline has been provided. Officials emphasized the importance of the mid‑day meal scheme for child nutrition and assured that steps will be taken to avoid any interruption to services.
Education experts have cautioned that any prolonged dispute could affect attendance and learning outcomes, as the meals are a key incentive for students in rural and tribal areas of Meghalaya.
Stakeholders are awaiting a formal response from the department, with the hope that a mutually acceptable solution will be reached before the next academic term begins.