Budgam, Apr 13 (JKNS): Scores of cooks associated with the Department of Education staged a protest in Beerwah on Monday under the banner of the All Daily Wagers J&K Sangarsh Samiti, demanding the implementation of minimum wages and regularisation of their services.
During the protest, demonstrators raised slogans against the government, including Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Minister Sakeena Itoo, expressing strong resentment over what they described as continued neglect of their long-pending issues.
The protest witnessed participation from cooks representing various parts of the district, particularly those engaged under the Mid-Day Meal scheme. The demonstrators marched through the main market of Beerwah, carrying banners and chanting slogans in support of their demands.
Highlighting their poor financial condition, the protesting cooks stated that they are being paid as little as ₹30 per day, which they termed as highly unjust and insufficient to meet even basic daily needs.
“We have been working tirelessly for years, yet we are paid a negligible amount. How can a family survive on ₹30 a day?” one of the protesters said.
The participants expressed strong resentment over the delay in implementing minimum wage norms and the absence of a clear policy for regularisation. They said that despite repeated assurances, no concrete steps have been taken so far.
The protesters appealed to the government to immediately address their grievances, implement minimum wages, and ensure job security through regularisation.
They warned that if their demands are not met soon, they will intensify their agitation in the coming days.
The protest concluded peacefully, with participants vowing to continue their struggle until justice is delivered. (JKNS)
