Government school students in several parts of the State had to forego their lunch as midday meal workers went on a strike at Freedom Park on Thursday demanding an increase in honorarium.
Malini Mesta of Karnataka Rajya Akshara Dasoha Naukarara Sangha said, “We will not withdraw our agitation until the demand is accepted.” She said that more workers will join the campaign on Friday.
Around 1.18 lakh midday meal workers prepare food for nearly 56 lakh students in over 48,000 government and aided schools across the State.
The Department of Primary and Secondary Education has asked headmasters to make alternative arrangements for meals by roping in School Development and Monitoring Committees.
Sources said that Chief Secretary K. Rathna Prabha, during a video-conference, told all deputy commissioners to make alternative arrangements to ensure that all children get their midday meals.
In many urban pockets, including Bengaluru, supply of the midday meal has not been affected, as the food is supplied by non-governmental organisations.
