The delay has also affected group operators, who are reportedly facing difficulties because payments for midday meal materials have not been credited.
Neelu Ogre, state president of the Cooks Organisation, alleged that the women have been working continuously since June 16 after schools reopened, but their honorarium for three months remains pending. She said the cooks work for a low honorarium, making timely payment particularly important, while the delay has created financial difficulties for them.
According to the organisation, funds were allocated by the DPE Ministry on September 11, but the money had still not reached the bank accounts of the cooks by September 23. The organisation has questioned why the payment has been delayed when the funds have already been allocated.
The issue is not limited to the cooks' honorarium. According to Neelu Ogre, group operators are also facing difficulties because money for midday meal materials has not been credited to their accounts. As a result, they are reportedly finding it difficult to purchase the ingredients and other materials required to prepare midday meals. Group operators have questioned how they can continue arranging supplies when there is no money in their accounts.
The organisation has now issued a clear deadline over the pending payments. According to Neelu Ogre, if the money is not credited to the accounts of the cooks and group operators by September 28, 2026, the cooks may decide to go on strike.
The organisation has demanded the immediate release of three months of pending honorarium for the cooks. It has also demanded that funds for midday meal materials be deposited into the accounts of group operators so that the meal arrangements in schools are not affected.
Neelu Ogre said the cooks have continued preparing midday meals for children and should receive their honorarium for their work on time. The organisation has also appealed to the cooks to remain united as the September 28 deadline approaches.
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