Maharashtra: No more Rs 1 mid-day meals for construction workers

For Rs 1 workers would get a nutritious meal of chapati, sabji, daal, rice, salad, pickle and jaggery. Representation Pic

The Maharashtra government has announced the discontinuation of the mid-day meal scheme for construction workers from November 1. Launched in March 2019, the scheme provided nutritious meals to registered construction labourers for Rs 1.

The mid-day meal initiative was initially designed to support the welfare of construction workers registered with the Maharashtra Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board (MBOCWWB) . For a mere Rs 1, these workers were entitled to a nutritious meal consisting of chapati, sabji, daal, rice, salad, pickle and jaggery. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the scheme was extended to non-registered construction workers. With nearly 13 lakh registered construction workers in Maharashtra, the program was instrumental in providing sustenance to a large part of the workforce. During its tenure, the scheme managed to serve approximately seven to eight lakh workers with nearly five crore meals every month, addressing a pressing need for affordable, nutritious food among this vulnerable population.

Sources from the labour ministry said, "Mumbai and Konkan division have more than 10,000 registered labourers. The common complaint from these divisions is that most of the labourers do not get food under the scheme." The decision to terminate the scheme was communicated through an official order, which cited several reasons for the closure. The order stated, "Considering the completion of the five-year term as mentioned in the Request For Proposal document and other financial as well as administrative issues, it has been decided to close the said mid-day meal scheme from November 1, 2023." While this decision might appear to be a matter of routine administration, it has significant implications for the construction workers in Maharashtra. For many, the mid-day meal scheme represented a small yet critical source of relief. This move comes at a time when construction workers in Maharashtra are grappling with a myriad of issues, including unstable employment, inadequate wages and a lack of social security.

Jay Kathakdhond, a construction worker currently working at a construction site in Borivli said, "The R1 mid-day meal gave us much-needed relief. But after the decision to discontinue it from November 1, things are going to become tough. Even a vada pav today costs approximately R15. With soaring prices, discontinuing the mid-day meal will only increase the burden on our finances. We have to feed our families and our daily wages will not be able to do so."

Other sources from the ministry of labour said, "The orders to release money were given only after cross verification of workers, food received by them and the bills submitted by contractors. However, we used to receive many complaints. The contracts with the respective companies had also expired. Therefore, a decision to halt the scheme from November 1 was taken. A decision on whether to continue this scheme or not will be made in the future." mid-day tried reaching Suresh Khade, state labour minister, but he was unavailable.

13 Lakh
No of registered construction workers in the state