AGARTALA: Mid-day meal workers under the Tripura Mid-Day Meal Workers’ Union (CITU) staged a protest and submitted a deputation at Shiksha Bhawan on Wednesday, alleging non-payment of salaries for four consecutive months.
The union raised three key demands: immediate clearance of pending wages, recruitment of new workers to ease mounting workloads, and better remuneration and facilities for existing staff. Union representatives said the absence of fresh recruitment for years has burdened current workers, while pay remains disproportionately low.
Workers alleged they are made to perform extra duties during festive periods such as Durga Puja without additional compensation, and claimed several benefits previously available have since been curtailed.
Union leaders also criticised the state government’s handling of the issue, alleging discrimination against workers over their political affiliations — claims that could not be independently verified. The government’s response was not immediately available.
Highlighting their role in preparing and serving meals to schoolchildren, workers questioned how their families could survive with wages withheld for months. The union warned of intensified protests if the demands are not addressed soon, demanding urgent disbursal of the four months’ arrears alongside long-term recruitment and welfare measures.