Odisha MDM Workers Decry Government Apathy

Bhubaneswar: Over 20, 000 mid-day meal (MDM) workers and helpers from
different parts of the state took out a mass rally from Bhubaneswar
Railway Station to Mahatma Gandhi Marg here to press for their
longstanding demands.

Holding placards and banners, the agitators held a protest meeting,
where All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC) state secretary
Souribandhu Kar said, “Despite repeated requests, the state government
did not pay any heed to our issues. This forced us to gather here and
fight for our rights. The government should take immediate steps to
fulfil our demands, failing which the agitation will be intensified
in the days to come.”

The MDM workers’ demands include payment of monthly Rs 18, 000 instead
of Rs 35 as daily wage and social security benefits.