YS Jagan Alleges Threat to Livelihoods of 85,000 Mid-Day Meal Scheme Workers

YSR Congress Party president and former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy has accused the state government of endangering the livelihoods of nearly 85,000 women engaged in preparing meals under the Mid-Day Meal Scheme in government schools.

In a post on social media platform X, Jagan alleged that the coalition government led by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu was pursuing policies that could adversely affect thousands of workers who have been associated with the programme for decades.

He said many of these women have been serving the scheme faithfully for more than 20 years and have depended on it as a vital source of income. According to Jagan, the government's proposed "smart kitchens" model could result in the displacement of long-serving workers, leaving them without employment opportunities.

The former chief minister further alleged that the initiative was being introduced at the cost of workers' welfare and claimed that the government had withheld salaries for the past two months . He said the delay had caused financial hardship for thousands of families dependent on these earnings.

Highlighting the measures taken during the YSRCP government's tenure, Jagan noted that the honorarium paid to Mid-Day Meal workers was increased from ₹1,000 to ₹3,000 after his party came to power. He contrasted this with what he described as the current government's failure to fulfil promises made to the workers before the elections.

Jagan alleged that assurances of better benefits and higher wages had now given way to uncertainty over their future. He expressed concern that workers who had dedicated years of service to the scheme were facing the prospect of losing their livelihoods.

Reiterating his party's support for the workers, Jagan said the YSRCP would continue to fight for their rights and interests . He urged the state government to immediately release the pending salaries and honour its election commitments by further enhancing their remuneration.

The remarks come amid ongoing discussions over reforms in the school meal delivery system and concerns raised by worker groups regarding employment security and wage payments .