Key Facts
Jogindernagar (Mandi): The strike by mid-day meal workers on Monday disrupted meal services in primary and middle schools across the sub-division. To ensure students' lunch was not affected, School Management Committee (SMC) members took charge of the kitchen, while teachers served food. In some schools, class IV employees also assisted.
Over 200 primary schools in education blocks Drang Pratham, Chauntra-1, and Chauntra-2, with more than 3,000 students, were affected. The strike posed a challenge for school administrations to maintain meal services.
Details of the Strike and Response
In several schools, SMC members, teachers, and other staff jointly operated the kitchen. At the largest CBSE school in Jogindernagar, about 50% of mid-day meal workers were on strike, forcing teachers to handle cooking and serving. Similarly, in remote areas of Chauntra and Ladbhadol, SMC members and teachers volunteered to keep the system running.
Manohar Chauhan, Principal of CBSE School Jogindernagar, said, “We had to make additional arrangements for lunch. All eligible students from classes 1 to 8 were provided meals on time.”
Kapil Rao, President of the Primary Teachers' Association, Chauntra-1, added, “In many primary schools, SMC members and teachers cooperated to maintain lunch arrangements. No student in Chauntra-1 education block faced any food problem.”
Impact on Students and Schools
The strike did not lead to any student going hungry, thanks to the proactive role of SMC and teachers. However, the incident highlights the dependence of schools on mid-day meal workers and the need for contingency plans. The strike also underscores the demands of workers for better wages and conditions.
What Readers Should Know
- The strike affected over 200 schools and 3,000 students in Mandi district.
- SMC members and teachers volunteered to cook and serve food to prevent disruption.
- No school reported a complete breakdown of meal services.
- The strike was resolved later, but details of the settlement are not available.
FAQ
Why did mid-day meal workers go on strike in Mandi?
The strike was called by mid-day meal workers demanding better wages and working conditions. The exact demands were not specified in the report.
How did schools manage to provide meals during the strike?
School Management Committee (SMC) members took over cooking, while teachers and other staff served food to students. In some schools, class IV employees also assisted.
Which areas were affected by the strike?
The strike impacted over 200 primary schools in education blocks Drang Pratham, Chauntra-1, and Chauntra-2, affecting more than 3,000 students in Jogindernagar, Chauntra, and Ladbhadol areas.
Did any school face a complete breakdown of meal service?
No, all schools managed to provide meals on time. SMC members and teachers volunteered to ensure no student went hungry.