Former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, also the President of YSR Congress Party, strongly criticized the state government’s proposed “Smart Kitchens” initiative. He accused the government of endangering the jobs of around 85,000 women who have been working as mid-day meal cooks in government schools for years. Jagan expressed concern that these women, who have dedicated themselves to providing nutritious meals to schoolchildren, are now facing an uncertain future due to the scheme.
Highlighting the financial distress faced by these workers, Jagan pointed out that salaries for the mid-day meal staff have not been paid for the past two months. He recalled that during his tenure, his government had increased the honorarium for these workers from ₹1,000 to ₹3,000 per month. Jagan criticized the current government for failing to fulfill its pre-election promises of supporting these workers and instead jeopardizing their livelihoods under the guise of modernization.
Jagan pledged unwavering support from the YSR Congress Party for the mid-day meal workers and vowed to fight for their rights. He demanded the immediate release of pending wages and urged the government to honor its election commitments by enhancing remuneration rather than jeopardizing the livelihoods of thousands of women. Jagan stressed that the issue goes beyond wages, emphasizing that it is about dignity and survival for these workers and their families who depend on these modest incomes.
The controversy surrounding the “Smart Kitchens” initiative has sparked a broader discussion on governance priorities, with critics questioning whether technological advancements should come at the expense of human welfare. For Jagan, this issue has become a focal point to demonstrate his party’s support for grassroots workers and to challenge what he perceives as the ruling government’s unfulfilled promises.
