The PM-POSHAN scheme has come under renewed scrutiny after 22 states and Union Territories asked the Centre to raise the honorarium paid to cook-cum-helpers. The demand has gained urgency amid protests by midday meal cooks in several states, including Chhattisgarh, where workers receive Rs 2,000 a month and have sought a wage hike.
States Push for Higher Payments
At a meeting with states and Union Territories, the Education Ministry noted that 22 of them had sought an increase in the honorarium. The requests were made after the ministry invited suggestions on improvements to the scheme ahead of its proposed extension beyond 2025-26. Several states, including Bihar, Arunachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Jammu and Kashmir, Uttarakhand, Telangana, Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh, suggested raising the amount to between Rs 2,500 and Rs 5,000 per month. Himachal Pradesh, Manipur, Rajasthan and Sikkim proposed a minimum wage of Rs 400 per day.
Wide Variation in Honorarium
The monthly honorarium for cook-cum-helpers remains Rs 1,000 in eight states and Union Territories, including Goa, Manipur, Nagaland, Sikkim and Delhi, without any additional state contribution. Other states provide top-ups from their own budgets. In Tamil Nadu, the total monthly payment ranges from Rs 4,100 to Rs 12,500. Kerala pays Rs 12,000, while Puducherry pays Rs 10,000. Meghalaya and Tripura suggested Rs 8,000 per month, while Ladakh, Lakshadweep, Mizoram, Nagaland and Odisha sought an increase without specifying a figure.
Scheme Administration and State Role
The Centre has stated that the overall responsibility for smooth implementation of PM-POSHAN, including hot cooked meals and engagement of cook-cum-helpers, lies with state governments and Union Territory administrations. The issue has repeatedly come up in annual budget and planning meetings for the scheme. Chhattisgarh has raised the demand for higher honorarium in at least two recent planning cycles. The Programme Approval Board for PM-POSHAN noted the request and asked the state to submit specific proposals.
Other Suggestions Under Review
States and Union Territories have also sought higher material cost for meals, extension of the scheme up to Class 12, and provision of breakfast under PM-POSHAN. The ministry has indicated that the requests are being examined as part of the scheme review process.
Last Modified: April 27, 2026