New Delhi, Aug. 1 -- A "maharaj" (cook) in Mumbai may have been earning Rs.1.8 to Rs.2 lakh per month -- doing a 30-minute job for Rs.18,0000 per house. That's what an advocate living in the financial capital claimed on social media, igniting a debate over cooks charging premium in decent Mumbai localities.

In a post on X, Ayushi Doshi said her cook charges Rs.18,000 per house and works for maximum 30 minutes. She said the 'maharaj' cooks for around 10-12 houses daily, is offered "free food and free chai; gets paid on time or leaves without a goodbye."

Comparing the life of the skilled worker with that of a corporate employee, she wittily said, "Meanwhile, I'm out here saying 'gentle reminder' with trembling hands with minimum salary."...