Bhubaneswar, Dec. 8 -- The state-level association of midday meal cooks staged a demonstration on Monday at Lower PMG in Bhubaneswar, pressing for a seven-point charter of demands.

The outfit alleged that despite contributing to the State's flagship mid-day meal (MDM) programme, an initiative central to education and nutrition for nearly 30 years, they continue to face neglect and poor working conditions.

Their primary demand is to raise the monthly honorarium from the current Rs 3,000 to Rs 13,860. The association also urged the State government to issue appointment letters and identity cards to all cooks and helpers to formalise their service status.

Another major issue highlighted was the irregular payment of wages, with workers ins...