In a major decision for school staff welfare, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has announced that the honorarium for mid-day meal cooks and physical education instructors working in state schools will be doubled. This move is likely to benefit thousands of support staff who play a crucial role in the school system but have often been underpaid and overlooked. The announcement was made during the launch of the ‘School Chalo Abhiyan’ in Bihar, aiming to boost school attendance and improve basic education facilities across the state.
I decided to write about this topic because it reflects a much-needed step in valuing the contribution of support staff in our school system. While teachers are often in the spotlight, it’s the cooks who ensure children are fed and the physical education instructors who keep students healthy and active. Their roles are essential but their wages have remained stagnant for years. This pay hike is not just financial relief, but also a sign of recognition. It’s important we highlight these developments because they show how improving school quality isn’t just about books and buildings — it’s also about treating every worker in the system with respect and dignity.
What Has Been Announced and Who Will Benefit
According to CM Nitish Kumar’s latest announcement:
- The honorarium of mid-day meal cooks will be doubled. Earlier, they were getting Rs 1,500 per month, which will now be Rs 3,000 per month.
- Physical education instructors will also get double their current honorarium. Their exact salary structure varies, but it is being revised to make their compensation more fair.
This decision comes under the larger campaign to improve school functioning and push for better enrolment and attendance in government schools. It is expected to directly benefit over 2.5 lakh cooks and a large number of PE instructors working across primary and upper primary schools in the state.
Why This Move Matters for School Ecosystem
Often, when we talk about school reforms, we talk only about classrooms, syllabus, and teachers. But behind every successful school day, there’s a lot of invisible work being done. Mid-day meal cooks are the ones ensuring lakhs of children get hot, nutritious meals every day. PE instructors are helping children stay fit and learn team spirit and discipline.
Yet, for years, both of these roles have been grossly underpaid. With rising costs of living, a monthly honorarium of Rs 1,500 is simply not enough for anyone. By doubling their pay, the government is finally recognising their hard work and essential contribution.
This step can also help reduce frequent staff turnover, which affects the consistency and quality of services provided in schools. With better pay, workers will be more motivated and committed to their roles.
Reaction From Ground Level
While the official announcement has been welcomed widely, workers and teachers’ unions are saying this is a long-pending move. Many mid-day meal workers had been protesting across districts asking for a fair wage hike and regularisation of services.
Some cooks have shared that even with the doubled amount, Rs 3,000 is still not enough, but it’s a positive start. Physical education instructors too have demanded that their services be made permanent with better job security and fixed salary scales.
Focus on ‘School Chalo Abhiyan’
The announcement was made during the launch of ‘School Chalo Abhiyan’, a campaign aimed at encouraging all children in Bihar to return to school, especially after COVID-19 disruptions. The CM has urged school authorities to improve basic amenities and also highlighted the importance of good food, hygiene, sports, and active participation in school life.
The doubling of pay is part of the larger effort to make schools more functional, friendly, and complete in terms of both academics and daily experience for students.
