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-Tandon calls UT Education Secretary who promises to address the workers'  demand in a week's time

Chandigarh, June 17, 2026: Mid-Day Meal workers engaged in government schools under the Chandigarh Administration met senior BJP leader Sanjay Tandon to highlight their long-pending grievances, including the non-payment of salaries for the months of April and May and the need for better wages and service conditions.

Representatives of the workers informed Tandon that despite rendering essential services in schools, they have not received their honorarium for the last two months, pushing many families into severe financial hardship. They appealed to him to take up the matter with the Chandigarh Administration and the Education Department to ensure the immediate release of their pending salaries.

After listening to their concerns, Tandon spoke to the UT Education Secretary and urged the Education Secretary to look into their grievances positively. The Education Secretary promised that their pending salaries will be released in a week's time.

“Salaries of hardworking Mid-Day Meal workers should not be delayed under any circumstances. These employees play an important role in ensuring nutritious meals for schoolchildren, and their welfare must be treated as a priority,” said Tandon.

During the meeting, the workers also raised two key demands and sought parity with neighbouring Haryana. They pointed out that Mid-Day Meal helpers in Chandigarh receive only ₹4,500 per month, whereas their counterparts in Haryana are paid ₹7,000 per month. They urged the Administration to revise their honorarium in line with Haryana.

The workers further highlighted that Chandigarh Mid-Day Meal staff are paid for only 10 months in a year, while Haryana provides remuneration for 11 months. They demanded that the same benefit be extended to workers in Chandigarh.

He further stated, “I will also strongly advocate their genuine demands for honorarium parity with Haryana and the extension of remuneration for 11 months. These workers belong to economically weaker sections and their concerns deserve immediate and sympathetic consideration.”

Tandon reiterated his commitment to safeguarding the interests of workers and ensuring that deserving employees receive fair treatment and timely compensation for their services.