SHILLONG, June 20: Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Saturday assured cook-cum-helpers under the PM POSHAN Scheme that their long-pending demands would be looked into after meeting a group of protesters who had gathered outside the Courtyard by Marriott Shillong.
The cook-cum-helpers, under the banner of the Union of Cook-cum-Helpers under the PM POSHAN Scheme in Meghalaya, had assembled outside the hotel where Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is staying in the hope of meeting her and submitting their demands.
The union has appealed to the Union Finance Minister to substantially increase the honorarium paid to cook-cum-helpers, particularly in the Northeastern region.
Union president Gena Nengnong said the organisation expects the central government to address the concerns of thousands of cook-cum-helpers engaged under the PM POSHAN Scheme across the state.
It may be mentioned that the union has sought an increase in the Centre’s monthly honorarium contribution from the existing Rs 900 to Rs 9,000, pointing out that the amount has remained unchanged for more than two decades despite rising inflation and increasing living costs.
According to the union, cook-cum-helpers play a vital role in ensuring that schoolchildren receive hot and nutritious meals every day, thereby contributing significantly to the education and well-being of future generations.
During his interaction with the protesters, Sangma listened to their grievances and assured them that their demands would receive due consideration.
