Mid-Day Meal Scheme: Karnataka Boosts Workers’ Pay by ₹1,000

Bengaluru, June 20, 2025: In a significant move, the Karnataka government has announced a ₹1,000 monthly honorarium hike for cooks and helpers under the mid-day meal scheme. The School Education Department has issued an order directing that the additional amount be funded under the Ksheerabhagya scheme.

The decision aligns with the 2025-26 state budget announcement to increase the honorarium for mid-day meal workers. Currently, cooks receive ₹3,700, and helpers get ₹3,600 per month. With the hike, their monthly payments will rise to ₹4,700 and ₹4,600, respectively.

This move is expected to benefit thousands of workers involved in preparing nutritious meals for schoolchildren across Karnataka, reinforcing the state’s commitment to improving the welfare of its mid-day meal staff.

Enhancing Welfare: A Step Towards Supporting School Meal Program Staff

The decision fulfills a promise made in the 2025-26 state budget, which emphasized improving the welfare of mid-day meal staff. Currently, cooks earn a monthly honorarium of ₹3,700, while helpers receive ₹3,600. With the new hike, their earnings will increase to ₹4,700 and ₹4,600, respectively, effective immediately. This raise is expected to benefit over 1.2 lakh workers across government and aided schools in Karnataka, who play a crucial role in ensuring nutritious meals reach millions of students daily.

The mid-day meal scheme, one of India’s largest school nutrition programs, aims to enhance attendance, reduce dropout rates, and improve the health of children. The increased honorarium acknowledges the tireless efforts of cooks and helpers, who often work under challenging conditions to prepare fresh, hygienic meals. “This hike is a recognition of their hard work and dedication to our children’s well-being,” said a senior official from the School Education Department.

The state government has also ensured that the additional funds will not strain school budgets, as the Ksheerabhagya scheme, which provides milk to students, will cover the increased costs. This move aligns with Karnataka’s broader vision to strengthen its education and nutrition programs while improving the livelihoods of grassroots workers.

Local associations representing mid-day meal workers have welcomed the decision but urged the government to consider further improvements, such as job regularization and additional benefits like health insurance. “This is a positive step, but we hope for more comprehensive support in the future,” said a representative of the Karnataka Mid-Day Meal Workers’ Association.

Keywords: Karnataka, mid-day meal scheme, honorarium hike, school education, Ksheerabhagya, cooks, helpers, Bengaluru, state budget, 2025-26, schoolchildren, welfare, nutrition