Chhattisgarh Midday Meal Cooks Strike Over Low Wages and Work Conditions

Midday meal cooks in Chhattisgarh have been on an indefinite strike since late December, demanding an increase in their daily wages from Rs 66 to between Rs 340 and Rs 440. Representing around 87,000 workers, protesters highlight low pay despite decades of service and express difficulties in meeting basic needs. The strike has disrupted meal services in several schools. Protesters also report job insecurity linked to student attendance and pressure to work daily, with the government yet to respond to their demands.