Lucknow: Thousands of cook-cum-helpers working under the PM Poshan (Mid-Day Meal) Scheme welcomed the govt’s decision to increase their monthly honorarium by ₹1,000 and provide cashless health treatment of up to ₹5 lakh for them and their families.Thanking the CM, Rita Devi of Saharanpur said the hike in monthly honorarium reflects recognition of the hard work and dedication of cook-cum-helpers and would boost their morale.Vimlesh, a cook from Meerut, said the increased honorarium would ease household expenses, while the cashless treatment facility would reduce worries about healthcare costs.Asha Devi from Agra said, “The CM understood the needs and struggles of cooks and have ensured we live with dignity.”Another cook, Surajmukhi of Moradabad said that enhanced honorarium would help manage family expenses and remove the fear of falling into debt during serious illnesses.Calling the initiative a “Rakshabandhan gift”, Santara Devi of Varanasi said it would help women become more self-reliant. Similarly, Amravati Devi from Sonbhadra said financial constraints had often forced cooks to ignore health problems, but timely treatment would now be possible.Manju from Kanpur said the health card was the biggest relief, as it would prevent families from having to borrow money during illness.
