Bengaluru: The four-day-old agitation of midday meal workers was called off on Friday after Chief Minister Siddaramiah met them and promised to increase their honorarium in the coming budget. S. Varalakshmi, State president of the Karnataka Rajya Akshara Dasoha Naukarara Sangha said that the Chief Minister has promised to respond ‘positively’ in the upcoming budget.

Currently, midday meal workers are paid – Rs. 2,200 for chief cook and Rs. 2,100 for cook and Rs 2,000 for assistants as honorarium per month. Primary and Secondary Education Minister Tanveer Sait said Mr. Siddaramaiah also responded to some of their other demands, including the need for contributory pension.

“The Chief Minister said that they would get health benefits in the universal health scheme,” said Sait, who had met the striking workers earlier in the day.

The BJP and the JD(S) took the government to task in the Legislative Council for its insensitivity towards Bisi Oota workers’ protest. Chairman D.H. Shankaramurthy did not let Minister Tanveer Sait clarify the government’s stand as he had tabled his response on the issue. The JD(S) members have trooped into the well to stage protest against the government. After Minister Sait assured the Council of speedy resolution, the protest was withdrawn.