First Triennial National Convention of the All India Mid Day Meal Workers Federation

The inaugural triennial national convention of the All India Mid Day Meal Workers Federation was successfully held on April 12-13, 2025, at Shri Nishkalanki Narayan Prernatirth in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. The event was inaugurated by Shri Surendra Pandey, All India Deputy General Secretary of BMS (Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh). The chief guest was Shri C.V. Rajesh, with other notable guests including Shri V.M. Chavda, Shri Jigneshbhai Majumdar, and Shri Girishbhai Patel.

Delegates from across the country participated, discussing the status of the Mid Day Meal Scheme and the challenges faced by its workers, particularly cooks. Key issues raised included:

• A demand for a ₹10,000 monthly honorarium.
• Paid leaves, insurance coverage, and opposition to privatization.
• Free medical treatment and compensation for workplace accidents.
• Provision of two sarees and aprons annually as uniforms.

A resolution incorporating these demands was unanimously passed.

Mid Day Meal Workers Federation : Key Resolutions Passed

On the first day, the following nine proposals were presented and unanimously approved for submission to the Ministry of Education, Government of India:

1. Monthly Honorarium: Provide a ₹10,000 monthly honorarium for Mid Day Meal cooks.
2. Stop Privatization: Halt the privatization of the scheme, ensuring meals are prepared in schools with existing staff and resources, and prohibit outsourcing to private entities.
3. Accident Compensation: Ensure free medical treatment for cooks injured during work and provide compensation in case of death, aligned with provisions in other states for similar incidents.
4. Insurance Coverage: Extend free insurance schemes, similar to those for ASHA and Anganwadi workers, to Mid Day Meal workers.
5. EPF and Pension: Provide Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) and pension benefits to Mid Day Meal staff.
6. Year-Round Honorarium: Replace the current 10-month honorarium with a 12-month annual honorarium.
7. Uniform Provision: Supply two sets of uniforms (sarees and aprons) annually to workers.
8. Job Security: Reinstate cooks who are laid off due to reduced student numbers in schools, with provisions for their reappointment.
9. Leave Entitlements: Grant casual and maternity leave to all Mid Day Meal workers.

At 5:00 PM on the first day, a procession was organized, starting from the convention venue and covering a 3-kilometer route through the city’s main roads.

Morning Session:
Detailed discussions were held on the nine key demands, with general secretaries from all states presenting their views. The demands were unanimously approved. A nationwide protest was announced, with demonstrations planned for May 13, 2025, outside collector offices across all districts. Memoranda will be submitted to the Ministry of Education, with approval from Shri Surendra Pandey, the federation’s chief guest and scheme workers’ in-charge.

Afternoon Session:
The process for forming the new executive committee began under the leadership of Shri Surendra Pandey, the election officer. As per the organization’s policy of electing a new executive every three years, the election was conducted by consensus, and the new executive was formed.

New Executive Committee

National President:

• Shri Rajendrasinh B. Chudasama (Gujarat)

Vice Presidents:

1. Shri Brijmohan P. (Rajasthan)
2. Shri Muktikant Sahu (Odisha)
3. Smt. Pramila Devangan (Chhattisgarh)
4. Shri Laxmi Narayan (Madhya Pradesh)
5. Shri Nilabhai Pathabhai (Gujarat)

General Secretary:

• Shri Leela Nagpure (Madhya Pradesh)

Secretaries:

1. Shri Dila Ram (Himachal Pradesh)
2. Smt. Sulochana Rana (Uttar Pradesh)
3. Smt. Tapaswini Maharana (Odisha)
4. Shri Nebas Tarus (Arunachal Pradesh)

Finance Secretary:

• Shri Manharan (Chhattisgarh)

Executive Members:

1. Smt. Kanak Ben Sapra (Gujarat)
2. Shri Dharam Singh (Rajasthan)
3. Smt. Usha Sahu (Chhattisgarh)
4. Shri Rajaram Badho (Madhya Pradesh)
5. Shri Madan Chandel (Himachal Pradesh)
6. Smt. Ganga Devi (Uttar Pradesh)
7. Shri Tagaru Yami (Arunachal Pradesh)

Additional Members : All state presidents and general secretaries will serve as members of the All India Executive Committee.

Also Read This : 5 Best AI Tools Indians Are Using in 2025 for Work, Study & Business

All office-bearers were elected unopposed. They were introduced on the main stage, and delegates from all states were present. Distinguished guests congratulated the newly elected executive, including the president and general secretary, and the convention was declared concluded.