Date:05/03/2005 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2005/03/05/stories/2005030507270300.htm

Kerala - Alappuzha

`Ensure minimum wages for cooks in schools'

By Our Staff Reporter

ALAPPUZHA, MARCH 4. The School Pachaka Thozhilali Federation State convener, T.K. Govindan, has demanded the Government's immediate intervention to ensure minimum wages and decent working conditions to those who cook food in schools in the State.

At a press conference here today, Mr. Govindan said the around 25,000 people engaged in cooking food in schools were getting Rs. 15 to Rs. 30 as wages for six hours. This was low compared to that being given to cooks in hotels and houses.

The cooks should be given at least Rs. 75 per day, he said. They should also be given festival allowance and other benefits as enjoyed by other workers. The demands raised by the federation also include an accident insurance scheme for cooks and financial aid for treatment.