Midday meal workers picket collectorate to press their demands

Vizianagaram: Tension prevailed at the collectorate when hundreds of women members of midday meal scheme have picketed collector’s office demanding that the government release pending bills of midday meal agencies.

On Monday, the women workers rushed to Collector’s office and tried to barge into the office and to meet the Collector. However, the police foiled their attempt and restrained them from entering the office.

The women members said they are running the midday meal scheme by taking loan from local lenders. Even they purchased groceries on credit basis. Now, the organisers and self-help groups are facing problems from money lenders and grocery shops.

The government had to release bills to the tune of Rs 20 crore in the district. Sensing the situation going out of control, the police arrested some organisers and shifted them to nearby police station.