Chennai, Feb 7 (NationPress) Dr. Anbumani Ramadoss, the leader of the Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK), has urged the Tamil Nadu government to swiftly engage in discussions with the protesting noon-meal and anganwadi workers. He emphasized the necessity to resolve their longstanding demands, which include retirement benefits and higher wages.

In his statement, Anbumani noted that thousands of noon-meal workers, cooks, and assistants across the State have been demonstrating for nearly five days, pushing for improved service conditions, better pension schemes, and increased gratuity payments.

He criticized the government's response to the protests, claiming that instead of initiating dialogue, authorities sought to detain the protesters. “It is utterly condemnable to silence their voices through detentions rather than engaging in discussions,” he remarked, highlighting that these workers are essential to Tamil Nadu’s esteemed noon-meal program, which serves countless schoolchildren daily.

Furthermore, the PMK leader pointed out that the majority of noon-meal employees have been serving for many years as part-time workers with minimal pay and insufficient social security. He demanded that they be transitioned to permanent roles with regular salaries, akin to other government employees.

According to him, the existing pay structure fails to adequately reflect the responsibilities these workers carry. Anbumani recalled that during the last Assembly session, Chief Minister M.K. Stalin had announced certain welfare measures, including increasing the monthly pension for retired noon-meal workers from Rs 2,000 to Rs 3,400 and doubling the retirement benefit from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 2 lakh.

Despite these measures, Anbumani stated that the workers continue to face financial hardships and are now seeking to raise the monthly pension to Rs 6,500.

The ongoing stalemate between the government and the workers is beginning to disrupt the noon-meal scheme itself.

Anbumani pointed out that nearly 43,000 noon-meal centers across Tamil Nadu have been affected by the protests, which could impact thousands of students relying on the program for their daily nutrition.

He termed the situation “avoidable” and urged the State government to promptly commence discussions with the workers' representatives to resolve their concerns through constructive dialogue.

Ensuring equitable wages and dignified retirement benefits, he asserted, would not only assist the workers but also fortify the State’s flagship welfare initiative.