The Jammu and Kashmir government on Monday admitted that the honorarium received by helpers and cooks in government schools for preparing mid-day meals was insufficient and that it is seriously considering the enhancement of wages in this regard.
During the ongoing discussion on grants amid the budget session in legislative assembly, Minister in charge for Education, Sakina Yatoo told the house that the concerns raised by various legislators about Rs one thousand per month being received as wages by the helpers and cooks in government schools was inadequate and insufficient and that the government is actively working on a proposal to enhance their wages.
“Rupees One thousand which a helper receives is indeed insufficient. However, it is also true that helpers, who are responsible for cooking meals, are essential. In light of today’s inflation, I also agree that one thousand rupees is very meagre. But, as previously announced in this house by the Honorable Chief Minister, a committee has already been formed, and it will review this matter as well. We have already written about this issue. The one thousand rupees is funded by the Government of India. We have taken up their case several times, and I have already mentioned in my response that we will take it up again. Whatever is possible, we will certainly do,” Sakina said.
She added further that as far as the issue of land owners is concerned, the price of the land is determined by the department at the time of donation. “They are given two options: either to have a cook appointed or to receive compensation. Now, it is up to them to decide whether they want a job as a cook or not. That is why the cook is appointed on the land they have donated to the department. We believe that they are also being accommodated in this regard.”
She added that in terms of honorarium to cooks and helpers, the UT government provides 10%, and the Government of India provides 90% of the budget. “We agree that one thousand rupees is a very little amount. When they were appointed, this issue was already brought to their attention, and they were informed about the interim amount they would receive. Now, since the Honorable Chief Minister has formed a committee, their case will also be reviewed. The department is already examining their cases on a case-by-case basis to determine what possibilities exist, and we will certainly look into this matter as well,” the Minister incharge said—(KNO)
