Khowai, March 26, 2025: Mid-Day Meal cook-cum-helpers brought traffic to a standstill on the Khowai-Agartala National Highway in Belfang on Wednesday morning, staging a road blockade to demand better wages and working conditions. The protest, organized under the Khowai District Committee, lasted three hours before being called off following assurances from the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) of Khowai.
The demonstration began at 9 a.m. as dozens of workers gathered to press their nine-point charter of demands, which included a minimum monthly salary of ₹18,000, payment of pending bills, and an extension of salary benefits from 10 months to 12 months annually. The blockade caused a massive traffic snarl, leaving commuters, including long-distance travelers, stranded on both sides of the highway.
“We’ve submitted memorandums to the Directorate of School Education, District Magistrates across all eight districts, and other officials multiple times, but nothing has been done,” said a protester, speaking on condition of anonymity. “This road blockade was our last resort to make our voices heard.”
Police arrived at the scene shortly after the protest began, attempting to ease the situation and manage the growing congestion. However, the workers stood firm, reiterating their demands for job regularization, pension schemes, annual bonuses equivalent to those of government employees, protection against arbitrary terminations, and timely monthly salary payments. The standoff ended around noon when a delegation of protesters met with the SDM of Khowai.
After a discussion, the official reportedly assured the group that their concerns would be addressed, prompting them to dismantle the blockade and allow traffic to resume. The Mid-Day Meal workers’ protest highlights ongoing tensions over labor conditions in the region, with the cook-cum-helpers arguing that their current pay and benefits fail to reflect the essential role they play in supporting schoolchildren’s nutrition.
While the SDM’s assurances have temporarily resolved the situation, the workers have warned that further action may follow if their demands are not met.
Authorities have yet to release an official statement on the matter, leaving commuters and residents hopeful for a lasting resolution to the dispute.
