THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Thirteen thousand workers responsible for preparing children's meals in the noon meal scheme have gone unpaid for two months. The delay is attributed to a holdup in the release of funds.

The public education department issued an order two weeks ago, stating that funds for November and December have been allocated. However, the allocated amount of 91 crore rupees for the two months has yet to reach the workers' accounts. Without this sum, the workers, each earning Rs 600 per day in schools with up to 150 children, cannot be paid. Additional payment for each extra child is 25 paise.

In schools with more than 500 students and two cooks, the Rs 600 basic salary is divided between them. With 21-22 working days in a month, the workers face financial strain due to the prolonged delay.

Primary teachers express concern that funds for January and February might also be delayed, affecting the workers as the financial year concludes. Last year, funds for these months were received in May.

In a petition filed by primary teachers to increase mid-day meal scheme funds, the High Court is currently reviewing the matter. Workers allege that main cook unions are not exerting enough pressure on the government to expedite wage payments.