West Bengal govt approves 100% LPG coverage in PM-POSHAN schools, hikes monthly salary of cook-cum-helpers

The Government of West Bengal has announced a couple of initiatives to strengthen PM-POSHAN schools. The government will improve nutritional support for students by providing better support to cook-cum-helpers.

It has also announced plans to increase the LPG coverage to all PM POSHAN schools. WB chief minister Suvendu Adhikari took to his X account and shared that his government has approved an enhancement in the cooking cost from Rs 6.78 to Rs 10 per child per day for 51.61 lakh pre-primary and primary students.

Recently, the West Bengal government also announced plans to consider adopting Odisha’s centralised mid-day meal model for Kolkata schools.

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WB Govt to bear LPG installation cost for PM POSHAN schools

“We have also approved 100% LPG coverage in PM-POSHAN Schools by bearing the LPG installation cost at Rs 3,000 per unit. Together, these measures involving around Rs 414.63 crore will ensure safer kitchens and more nutritious meals for our children,” he wrote on his social media account.

Moreover, the government has also hiked the monthly honorarium of nearly 2.24 lakh cook-cum-helpers of PM POSHAN schools to Rs 3,000 from earlier Rs 2,000, along with an additional financial aid of around Rs 224 crore.

“These approvals totalling to ₹639 crores reflect our unwavering commitment to strengthening school education, supporting those who serve our children every day, and ensuring that every child in West Bengal receives nutritious meals in a safe and healthy environment. Investing in our children today is investing in Bengal's future,” WB CM added.