Mathura: Uttar Pradesh government has decided to open residential schools for the children of labourers, state Labour and Employment Minister Shahid Manjur said here today.

"Initially 18 schools would be opend in the state. And one such school would be opened in Mathura on the request of District Magistrate Rajesh Kumar," Manjur said while distributing cycle to labourers.

He said the government has also decided to provide mid-day meal to labourers at a nominal charge of Rs ten per day.

"A tie up with Railway has been made in this regard and efforts are on to provide them mid-day meal according to menu," he added.

Also a proposal for pension to labourer by the department was in offing, under which labourers would get a pension of Rs 1000 per month if they attain the age of 60 and are registered as labourer for consecutive three years, he said. On distribution of cycles to the labourers he said, they are aware of its utility.

Of the 774 cycles to be distributed in the district, 200 were distributed today.