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Coimbatore Considers Midday Meals for Sanitation Workers After Breakfast Complaints

The Coimbatore City Municipal Corporation is considering replacing its free breakfast scheme for sanitation workers with a midday meal program. This follows complaints that food prepared at dawn becomes stale by the time workers take their break later in the morning. The new meal would cost Rs 51 per worker, with the Corporation bearing the additional expense as a welfare commitment. Officials will distribute forms to over 9,400 workers to gather their preferences before making a final decision.

Key Points: Coimbatore May Switch Sanitation Worker Breakfast to Midday Meals

  • Replacing breakfast due to freshness issues
  • Meals would cost Rs 51 vs Rs 40 for breakfast
  • Decision based on worker preference forms
  • Aimed at improving nutrition and well-being
2 min read

TN's Coimbatore Corporation mulls midday meal scheme for sanitation workers, seeks staff preference

Coimbatore Corporation plans to replace the free breakfast for sanitation workers with a midday meal scheme after complaints of stale food, seeking worker feedback.

"It has come to our notice that when workers consume food after a delay following their work, it leads to certain issues. - Corporation Commissioner M. Sivaguru Prabhakaran"

Coimbatore, Feb 12

The Coimbatore City Municipal Corporation is considering converting its existing free breakfast scheme for sanitation workers into a midday meal programme, following concerns that food served early in the morning often loses freshness by the time workers are able to eat.

In an official statement, Corporation Commissioner M. Sivaguru Prabhakaran said the civic body has taken note of complaints from cleanliness workers who reported that breakfast prepared at dawn becomes stale or unsuitable for consumption after several hours of fieldwork.

"It has come to our notice that when workers consume food after a delay following their work, it leads to certain issues. Therefore, the possibility of replacing the breakfast scheme with meals is under consideration," the statement said.

Sanitary workers typically begin their duties in the early hours of the morning, carrying out sweeping and conservancy work across the city. However, many are only able to take their meal break later in the forenoon. Since breakfast is prepared as early as 6.30 a.m., workers say the food often loses its freshness by 10 a.m., affecting both taste and quality.

If the proposal is implemented, the Corporation plans to provide a midday meal costing Rs 51 per worker per day, compared to Rs 40 currently spent on breakfast.

The additional expenditure will be borne by the civic body as part of its welfare commitment to frontline staff.

To ensure the decision reflects the needs of the workforce, the Corporation will distribute forms to all sanitary workers to gather their preferences.

Based on the feedback, officials will decide whether to continue with the breakfast scheme or shift to the midday meal model.

Currently, 9,454 cleanliness workers engaged in conservancy operations across Coimbatore benefit from the free breakfast programme. Many workers have expressed that a meal served closer to noon would be more practical and nutritious, helping them better sustain themselves after physically demanding duties.

The free breakfast scheme was originally introduced by the Tamil Nadu government to ensure sanitation workers receive adequate nutrition despite their early start times.

Coimbatore Mayor R. Ranganayaki had earlier expressed gratitude to Chief Minister M.K. Stalin for launching the welfare measure. Officials said the proposed change is aimed at improving food quality and worker well-being while strengthening support for one of the city's most essential workforces.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Shreya B
Finally, authorities are listening to the actual workers! Asking for their preference via forms is the right way. These are the people on the ground who know what they need. Hope the meal is nutritious and includes local Tamil dishes like sambar rice or curd rice that travel well.
D
David E
While the intent is good, increasing the cost from Rs 40 to Rs 51 per worker is a significant jump. I hope the Corporation has a transparent tendering process for the meal provider to ensure quality and prevent any corruption. The extra money must translate directly to better food.
P
Priyanka N
As someone from Coimbatore, I see these workers every morning. They start so early, often before sunrise. Providing a fresh, hot meal in the middle of their shift is the least we can do. Their health is important for all of us. Well done to the officials for considering this change.
A
Aman W
Good initiative. But along with the meal, they should also ensure clean drinking water and proper rest areas are available throughout the city for these workers. One welfare measure is not enough. Their overall working conditions need to improve.
M
Meera T
It's heartening to see such practical problem-solving. The old breakfast scheme was a good idea, but reality on the ground showed its flaw. Adapting based on feedback shows responsive governance. Other municipal corporations across Tamil Nadu, and India, should take note and review their own worker welfare schemes.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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