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1 Feb 2026·Source: The Indian Express
3 min
Social IssuesPolity & GovernanceNEWS

States Advised to Increase Midday Meal Workers' Wages

Centre advises states/UTs to increase wages for midday meal cooks/helpers.

States Advised to Increase Midday Meal Workers' Wages

Photo by Nima Naseri

The central government has advised states and union territories to increase the honorarium paid to cooks and helpers under the PM POSHAN scheme. States that give higher rates will be reimbursed. The revised rates vary based on location. For instance, cooks/helpers in the Northeast will receive ₹2,500, while those in other states will get ₹2,000. The central government will provide ₹1,800 and ₹1,500 respectively, with the remaining amount to be covered by the state. This move aims to improve the financial condition of those involved in preparing midday meals for school children.

Key Facts

1.

Scheme: PM POSHAN scheme

2.

Northeast rate: ₹2,500

3.

Other states rate: ₹2,000

UPSC Exam Angles

1.

GS Paper II: Social Justice - Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.

2.

Connects to syllabus on poverty, hunger, and social sector schemes.

3.

Potential question types: Statement-based, analytical questions on scheme effectiveness.

Visual Insights

More Information

Background

The Mid-Day Meal Scheme, now known as PM POSHAN, has a long history in India. It evolved from local initiatives in the early 20th century to address child hunger and improve school attendance. Madras Municipal Corporation introduced a midday meal program in 1925. Over the decades, various states implemented similar programs. A centrally sponsored scheme was launched in 1995, providing subsidized food grains to states. This marked a significant step towards a nationwide program. The scheme has undergone several revisions and expansions since then, including the introduction of cooked meals and nutritional guidelines. The National Food Security Act, 2013 further strengthened the legal framework for the program. The program is governed by guidelines issued by the Ministry of Education. These guidelines cover aspects such as menu planning, hygiene standards, and monitoring mechanisms. The scheme is implemented through a collaborative effort between the central and state governments. The central government provides financial assistance, while the state governments are responsible for implementation and monitoring at the ground level. The Right to Education Act, 2009 also emphasizes the importance of providing nutritious meals to children.

Latest Developments

In recent years, there has been increased focus on improving the nutritional quality of meals provided under the PM POSHAN scheme. Initiatives such as fortification of food items with essential micronutrients have been implemented. There is also a growing emphasis on community participation and social audits to enhance transparency and accountability. Several studies have highlighted the impact of the scheme on improving school enrollment, attendance, and nutritional outcomes. However, challenges remain in ensuring consistent quality and coverage across all regions. Issues such as delays in fund disbursement and inadequate infrastructure continue to pose hurdles. The NITI Aayog has been actively involved in monitoring and evaluating the scheme's performance. Looking ahead, there is a need for greater convergence with other related programs such as the Poshan Abhiyan to address malnutrition holistically. The government is also exploring options for leveraging technology to improve monitoring and delivery of services. The focus is on making the scheme more effective and sustainable in the long run.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the PM POSHAN scheme and why is it important?

The PM POSHAN scheme, formerly known as the Mid-Day Meal Scheme, aims to improve the nutritional status of school children. It is important because it addresses child hunger, improves school attendance, and supports the financial condition of cooks and helpers.

2. What are the key facts about the PM POSHAN scheme regarding worker wages for the UPSC Prelims?

For the PM POSHAN scheme, remember that the central government has advised states to increase the honorarium for cooks and helpers. The revised rates are ₹2,500 for the Northeast and ₹2,000 for other states. The central government will contribute ₹1,800 and ₹1,500 respectively.

Exam Tip

Focus on the wage amounts and the regions they apply to.

3. Why is the increase in wages for midday meal workers in the news recently?

The increase in wages for midday meal workers is in the news because the central government has advised states and union territories to raise the honorarium paid to cooks and helpers under the PM POSHAN scheme. This aims to improve their financial condition.

4. What is the historical background of the PM POSHAN scheme?

The Mid-Day Meal Scheme, now PM POSHAN, has evolved from local initiatives in the early 20th century to address child hunger and improve school attendance. Madras Municipal Corporation started a midday meal program in 1925. A centrally sponsored scheme was launched in 1995.

5. What are the recent developments related to the PM POSHAN scheme?

Recent developments include an increased focus on improving the nutritional quality of meals, such as fortification of food items with essential micronutrients. There is also a growing emphasis on community participation and social audits to enhance transparency and accountability.

6. How does the recent wage increase for PM POSHAN workers impact common citizens?

The wage increase for PM POSHAN workers can lead to better morale and motivation among those preparing the meals. This can result in improved quality and consistency of the meals provided to school children, positively impacting their health and education.

7. What reforms are needed to further improve the PM POSHAN scheme?

Based on available information, reforms could focus on strengthening community participation, enhancing transparency through social audits, and ensuring consistent nutritional quality of meals across all regions.

8. What are the wage rates for midday meal workers in the Northeast versus other states under the PM POSHAN scheme?

Under the PM POSHAN scheme, cooks/helpers in the Northeast will receive ₹2,500, while those in other states will get ₹2,000.

9. What are the pros and cons of increasing wages for midday meal workers?

Pros include improved morale, better quality meals, and financial security for workers. A potential con could be the increased financial burden on states, though the central government provides partial reimbursement.

10. What is the central government's contribution to the increased wages for midday meal workers?

The central government will provide ₹1,800 for cooks/helpers in the Northeast and ₹1,500 for those in other states. The remaining amount will be covered by the state.

Practice Questions (MCQs)

1. Consider the following statements regarding the PM POSHAN scheme: 1. It aims to enhance the nutritional status of children studying in government and government-aided schools. 2. The central government fully funds the honorarium paid to cooks and helpers under the scheme. 3. The revised honorarium rates for cooks/helpers are uniform across all states and union territories. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  • A.1 only
  • B.2 only
  • C.1 and 3 only
  • D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer

Answer: A

Statement 1 is CORRECT: The PM POSHAN scheme indeed aims to improve the nutritional status of children in government and government-aided schools. Statement 2 is INCORRECT: The central government provides a portion of the honorarium, with the remaining amount to be covered by the state governments. The central government will provide ₹1,800 for Northeast and ₹1,500 for other states. Statement 3 is INCORRECT: The revised honorarium rates vary based on location. For instance, cooks/helpers in the Northeast will receive ₹2,500, while those in other states will get ₹2,000.

2. Which of the following statements is NOT correct regarding the financial provisions for cooks and helpers under the PM POSHAN scheme, as per the recent advisory?

  • A.States that provide higher honorarium rates will be reimbursed by the central government.
  • B.Cooks/helpers in the Northeast region will receive a higher honorarium compared to those in other states.
  • C.The central government will provide ₹1,800 per month for cooks/helpers in all states.
  • D.The state governments are responsible for covering the remaining amount of the honorarium.
Show Answer

Answer: C

Option C is NOT correct. The central government will provide ₹1,800 per month for cooks/helpers in the Northeast region and ₹1,500 for those in other states. The remaining amount is to be covered by the state governments. States that give higher rates will be reimbursed.

3. The Mid-Day Meal Scheme, now known as PM POSHAN, is most directly related to which of the following fundamental rights enshrined in the Indian Constitution?

  • A.Right to Equality (Article 14)
  • B.Right to Freedom of Speech and Expression (Article 19)
  • C.Right to Life and Personal Liberty (Article 21)
  • D.Right to Constitutional Remedies (Article 32)
Show Answer

Answer: C

The correct answer is C) Right to Life and Personal Liberty (Article 21). Article 21 guarantees the right to life, which includes the right to live with dignity and the basic necessities for survival, such as food. The PM POSHAN scheme directly contributes to ensuring children have access to nutritious food, thus supporting their right to life.

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