Bhubaneswar, Dec. 9 -- Midday meal cooks continued their protest at Lower PMG in Bhubaneswar for the second consecutive day on Monday, renewing their demand for a seven-point package that addresses long-standing issues related to pay and service conditions.

The protesting workers said that although they have been an essential part of the State's mid-day meal (MDM) scheme for nearly three decades, an initiative crucial for improving both nutrition and school attendance, they continue to be overlooked and underpaid.

Their foremost demand is a substantial increase in their monthly remuneration-from the existing Rs 3,000 to Rs 13,860. The cooks also requested that the government issue formal appointment letters and identity cards to all coo...