Punjab’s Mid-Day Meal Workers: Bank Switch Brews a Storm
Forty-four thousand three hundred and one mid-day meal workers in Punjab are facing severe financial hardship due to a recent government decision. The state switched their stipend payments from their previous bank to Canara Bank, effective March 31, 2025.
The problem stems from Canara Bank’s limited branch network across the state. Many workers, who receive a monthly stipend of Rs 3000, now face significant travel costs and inconvenience to access their funds.
This logistical nightmare is further compounded by inadequate insurance benefits offered under the new arrangement. Many workers are struggling to meet their basic needs due to the delays and the added financial burden.
The situation has sparked widespread discontent, with workers planning protests to demand immediate intervention and a reversal of the bank change. This disruption threatens the smooth functioning of the mid-day meal scheme, impacting lakhs of schoolchildren across the state. The government’s response will be crucial in averting a larger crisis.
