Yogi announces Rs 3,000 monthly pay, Rs 5 lakh health cover for mid-day meal cooks

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has announced a significant welfare package for mid-day meal cooks across the state, just ahead of the Raksha Bandhan festival. The announcement was made during a special honor ceremony held at the Jupiter Auditorium in Indira Gandhi Pratishthan, Gomti Nagar, where the contributions of these essential workers were formally recognized.

Under the new measures, more than 3.53 lakh mid-day meal cooks serving in government schools will see their monthly honorarium increase from Rs 2,000 to Rs 3,000 per month. Additionally, the cooks and their families will now be eligible for cashless medical treatment worth up to Rs 5 lakh, ensuring better access to healthcare for this crucial workforce that feeds millions of schoolchildren daily.

In a further show of support, the Chief Minister announced that in the event of an accident, the family of a mid-day meal cook will receive financial assistance of Rs 2 lakh through State Bank. This comprehensive welfare initiative reflects the government's commitment to improving the lives of workers who play a vital role in the state's educational infrastructure by ensuring nutritious meals reach students.

A parallel event was organized in Bahraich district at the Vikas Bhavan auditorium under the chairmanship of Nanpara MLA Ram Nivas Verma. The gathering was attended by Ashok Jaiswal representing Sadar MLA Anupama Jaiswal, BJP district vice-president Ranvijay Singh, Chief Development Officer Sunil Kumar Dhanvanta, District Basic Education Officer Ashish Singh, Finance and Accounts Officer Viresh Verma, along with block education officers, district coordinators, teachers, and selected cooks from various development blocks. The ceremony underscored the state government's appreciation for the tireless work of mid-day meal cooks who contribute significantly to child nutrition and education outcomes.