MARGAO: Women from various self-help groups (SHGs) engaged in the Mid-Day Meal Scheme voiced their anguish over the non-payment of their dues for the last eight months, and the government’s decision to replace them with Akshay Patra.
They met Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai on Tuesday, urging him to take the matter to the government. Vijai warned that an agitation would be launched if the payments are not cleared by Friday.
The group highlighted that they had not received payments for the past eight months, with some accusing the government of undermining Goan women entrepreneurs. Vijai also stressed that there is no need to bring in outsiders, given Goa’s reputation for providing high-quality food.
Kranti Kunkoliekar, a member of the SHG, spoke to reporters and expressed frustration over the situation. She explained that no payments have been made for months, making it difficult for them to continue providing mid-day meals. “We are being told that there are no funds to pay us,” she said. “When we asked about our dues, we were informed that an outside agency had taken over. We are asking for our payments on time. Goan women are more than capable of handling this service.”
Reacting to the issue, MLA Vijai Sardesai condemned the government’s actions, noting that the mid-day meal movement was initially designed to empower women. “If you want quality, you have to pay more. The government has neither paid these women for months nor clarified how many schools will be assigned to Akshay Patra, and at what cost. This is public money, and there must be transparency and accountability,” said GFP Chief Sardesai.
He alleged that the government’s focus on outsourcing the service under the guise of quality was an attempt to sideline local groups. “The government has yet to clarify how much will be paid to outside agencies. If this issue isn’t resolved soon, our party will take to the streets in protest. Right now, it seems the government is anti-Goan,” Sardesai concluded.