Midday Meal Workers Union Opposes Akshaya Patra Takeover in Visakhapatnam

The AP Midday Meal Workers Union, affiliated with CITU, has formally opposed the Andhra Pradesh State government's decision to transfer the implementation of the Midday Meal Scheme to the Akshaya Patra Foundation in specific mandals of Visakhapatnam. Union leaders Bhavani and G. Mangasri submitted a representation to the District Collector, arguing that DWCRA women have successfully managed the scheme for over two decades. They warn that handing over responsibilities to an external foundation will result in immediate job losses for nearly half of the current workforce. The union highlighted issues such as job insecurity, unfair compensation for additional tasks like boiling eggs, and pending wage arrears since January. Furthermore, they requested the government to assume responsibility for cooking gas supplies to alleviate financial burdens on local units. The workers emphasized that the proposed change undermines a localized system that has functioned effectively and threatens the financial stability of female workers. They have urged district administration intervention to prioritize worker welfare and warned of further protests if their demands regarding wage clearance and job security are not addressed promptly.