THRISSUR: The association of school cooks gets ready for strike after their honorarium and allowance remain stalled albeit the government allowing 40.44 crores to the department. The Rs 40.44 crores were allowed recently for completing the honorarium and holiday allowances pending from the month of April.

The amount has been transferred to the account of the directorate of general education. After discerning the delay, the school cooks association decided to go on strike, with other organizations including AITUC joining in support. Meanwhile, unions informed the protesters about Minister V Sivankutty's assurance of completing the payment as soon as possible. The minister said the central government's financial aid for the midday meal scheme in Kerala has reached the government coffers so it won't be that late for payments to be completed.

There are 13,611 employees working in the cooking department in schools. They are paid a daily allowance of Rs 675 for work.