In a significant move to support the state’s mid-day meal workers, the Punjab Government on Monday announced a free insurance cover, facilitated by an agreement between the Punjab Mid Day Meal Society and Canara Bank. Punjab Finance, Planning, and Excise Minister Harpal Singh Cheema revealed that mid-day meal cooks and helpers will now be insured at no cost, ensuring their financial security in times of need.

Cheema, during a meeting with the Mid-Day Meal Cooks Union Punjab, assured the union leaders that all cooks and helpers who open a zero-balance account at Canara Bank will receive comprehensive insurance coverage. The scheme includes Rs 16 lakh for accidental death, Rs one lakh for natural death, and Rs two lakh for the accidental death of a spouse.

Addressing the salary concerns raised by the union, Cheema disclosed that a cabinet sub-committee has sent a letter to the Union Government advocating for an increase in the salaries of mid-day meal cooks from Rs 600 to Rs 2,000. He also highlighted a recommendation for enhancing the staffing ratio to one cook for every 50 students, compared to the current norm of one cook for every 25 students, which aims to alleviate the workload and improve meal preparation.

Furthermore, Cheema instructed School Education secretary KK Yadav to explore the creation of additional posts for mid-day cooks at the block level, ensuring adequate staffing during absences. He emphasized the government’s commitment to improving the working conditions and financial security of mid-day meal workers, aiming to enhance the quality of service delivered to students across Punjab.