Itanagar, March 2, 2026:
Members of the All Arunachal Pradesh PM Poshan Workers’ Union (AAPPMPWU) on Monday staged a peaceful mass rally-cum-dharna in Itanagar, demanding immediate redressal of their long-pending grievances, including the release of unpaid honorarium, regularization of service, wage enhancement, and improved working facilities.
The rally commenced from Akashdeep and proceeded towards the Tennis Court, with participants raising slogans and holding placards highlighting their demands. Workers from almost every district of Arunachal Pradesh joined the protest, making it a significant statewide mobilisation. Union leaders described the demonstration as a united effort by PM Poshan workers across the state to draw the attention of the government to their ongoing hardships.
According to the union, many workers have not received their honorarium for nearly two years. The prolonged delay in payment has reportedly placed hundreds of families under financial strain, as the honorarium serves as a primary or supplementary source of income for many households.
The protesting workers are engaged under the PM Poshan Scheme, formerly known as the Mid-Day Meal Scheme. Under the scheme, cook-cum-helpers are entrusted with preparing and serving hot, nutritious meals to students in government and government-aided schools. Their responsibilities also include maintaining hygiene in school kitchens, managing food supplies, and ensuring timely meal distribution. The programme is aimed at improving child nutrition, boosting school attendance, and supporting the overall well-being of students.
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| PM Poshan workers stage protest in Itanagar over 2-year pending wages. |
During the rally, union representatives emphasized that despite playing a vital role in the successful implementation of the school nutrition programme, PM Poshan workers continue to face irregular payments, low honorarium, and inadequate working infrastructure. Among their key demands are the regularization of services, enhancement of wages in line with rising living costs, and provision of improved kitchen facilities and basic amenities.
The union further recalled that this is not the first time they have resorted to public protest. Last year, AAPPMPWU had organized a massive rally in Pasighat, urging the government to address their grievances. Despite that large-scale demonstration, the workers claim that many of their issues remain unresolved, prompting the latest statewide agitation in Itanagar.
Leaders of the union appealed to the state government and concerned authorities to intervene at the earliest and ensure the release of pending dues while initiating measures for long-term reforms in service conditions. They maintained that the protest was conducted peacefully and in a disciplined manner, but warned that further democratic steps may be considered if their demands are not addressed promptly.
