A safety net of cashless medical treatment worth up to ₹5 lakh for approximately 3.70 lakh cooks in the state and their dependents; honorarium now ₹3,000 per month – Keshav
Keshav Prasad Maurya attended a felicitation ceremony and cashless medical card distribution event for cooks working under the Pradhan Mantri Poshan Yojana. He honored the cooks and distributed the cards, personally inquiring about their well-being; their faces lit up with joy upon receiving the cards and the news of an honorarium hike. Mr. Maurya stated that this embodies "Modi's Guarantee"—ensuring dignity and respect for all—and noted that a single vote cast for the 'Lotus' enables the provision of free facilities to millions of people.
Mr. Maurya remarked that just as mothers care for their own children, these cooks prepare meals for all students in schools with the same spirit. Their work symbolizes service, affection, and social responsibility. The 'double-engine' government has consistently prioritized the dignity and economic empowerment of these cooks. The monthly honorarium was raised from ₹1,000 to ₹1,500 in 2019 and to ₹2,000 in 2021; now, following a Cabinet decision, it is being increased to ₹3,000 per month. The Deputy Chief Minister stated that the government also bears the responsibility for the cooks' health. Accordingly, cashless medical treatment facilities worth up to ₹5 lakh annually are being provided to approximately 3.72 lakh cooks and their dependents across the state. In Prayagraj alone, over 9,000 cooks and their families will benefit from this scheme. He added that this historic initiative was launched with the vision that the families of these mothers—who nourish the future of the state's children—should not have to face financial hardship during times of illness.
Mr. Maurya described the Pradhan Mantri Poshan Yojana as a massive campaign against malnutrition. He emphasized that the cooks are a vital pillar of the scheme, as they ensure that children receive clean, safe, nutritious, and hot meals in accordance with prescribed standards and menus. He urged the cooks to pay special attention to food quality, hygiene, the cleanliness of storerooms, and distribution in accordance with prescribed standards. He stated, "Facilities for every child, safety for every cook—this is the resolve of good governance." The government has made financial provisions—including ₹500 for clothing, as well as funds for aprons, gloves, and head covers—to support the cooks.
Shri Maurya remarked that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the 'double-engine' government is committed to the dignity and welfare of the poor, women, persons with disabilities, laborers, and marginalized sections of society. The pension for persons with disabilities has been increased to ₹2,500 per month. The government's goal is clear: if education is secure, the future is assured; and if mothers are empowered, students will become capable. He expressed the hope that, in the spirit of "Santosham Param Sukham" (contentment is the ultimate happiness), the cooks would lead happy lives and enjoy good health and security through cashless medical cards. Thanking all the cooks for their dedication, he assured them that the government would continue to work tirelessly for their dignity, safety, and welfare.
The event was attended by BJP District President Smt. Nirmala Paswan, Shri Rajesh Shukla, Hon'ble MP Shri Praveen Patel, Hon'ble MLAs Shri Vachaspati and Shri Harshvardhan Bajpai, MLC Shri Surendra Chaudhary, along with other public representatives, the District Magistrate, the Chief Development Officer, and other dignitaries.
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