Coimbatore, Feb 12 (NationPress) The Coimbatore City Municipal Corporation is contemplating a shift from its current free breakfast initiative for sanitation workers to a midday meal program, prompted by concerns that the meals prepared early in the day often lose their freshness by the time the workers are able to consume them.

In an official statement, Corporation Commissioner M. Sivaguru Prabhakaran acknowledged the complaints from sanitation staff who have reported that breakfast prepared at dawn often turns stale or unsuitable for consumption after several hours of labor.

“We have observed that when workers eat after a delay due to their duties, it leads to various issues. Hence, we are evaluating the potential of substituting the breakfast scheme with meals,” the statement indicated.

Sanitation workers typically commence their tasks in the early morning hours, engaging in sweeping and cleaning activities throughout the city. However, many are unable to take their meal break until later in the forenoon. As breakfast is prepared as early as 6:30 a.m., workers have noted that the food often loses its freshness by 10 a.m., impacting both taste and quality.

If the proposal is enacted, the Corporation intends to provide a midday meal at a cost of Rs 51 per worker per day, in contrast to the current expenditure of Rs 40 for breakfast.

This additional cost will be covered by the civic body as part of its commitment to the welfare of frontline staff.

To ensure the decision aligns with the workforce's needs, the Corporation will distribute forms to all sanitation workers to collect their preferences.

Based on the feedback received, officials will determine whether to maintain the breakfast scheme or transition to the midday meal model.

Currently, 9,454 sanitation workers involved in conservancy operations across Coimbatore benefit from the complimentary breakfast program. Many workers have indicated that a meal served closer to noon would be more practical and nutritious, enhancing their ability to sustain themselves after physically demanding tasks.

The free breakfast initiative was initially introduced by the Tamil Nadu government to ensure that sanitation workers receive adequate nutrition despite their early work schedules.

Coimbatore Mayor R. Ranganayaki previously expressed gratitude towards Chief Minister M.K. Stalin for initiating this welfare measure. Officials stated that the proposed change aims to enhance food quality and worker well-being while bolstering support for one of the city’s most vital workforces.