Former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and YSR Congress Party President Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy has launched a scathing attack on the state government's proposed "Smart Kitchens" initiative, alleging that it threatens to displace nearly 85,000 women who have long served as mid-day meal cooks in government schools.
In a sharp post on X, Jagan accused the administration of using the scheme as a cover to reward its own supporters while pushing thousands of women into joblessness.
Many of these workers, he noted, have dedicated over two decades to ensuring nutritious meals for schoolchildren, yet now face an uncertain future.
Adding to their plight, Jagan highlighted that salaries for the mid-day meal staff have not been paid for the past two months, deepening their financial distress.
He recalled that during his tenure, the YSRCP government had raised the honorarium for these workers from ₹1,000 to ₹3,000 per month.
He reminded the public that the current government had promised even greater support before the elections, but instead is now attempting to dismantle their livelihoods under the guise of modernisation.
Jagan pledged that the YSR Congress Party would stand firmly with the mid-day meal workers and fight for their rights.
He demanded the immediate release of pending wages and urged the government to fulfil its election commitments by increasing remuneration rather than stripping away the livelihood of thousands of women.
“This is not just about wages; it is about dignity and survival,” Jagan asserted, warning that the government's move could devastate families dependent on these modest incomes.
He emphasised that the women who have tirelessly served generations of schoolchildren deserve respect and security, not abandonment.
The controversy over "Smart Kitchens" has now ignited a wider debate on governance priorities, with critics questioning whether technological upgrades should come at the cost of human welfare.
For Jagan, the issue has become a rallying point to showcase his party's commitment to grassroots workers and to challenge what he calls the ruling government's hollow promises.
