Shillong, Oct 2: Meghalaya Education Minister Lahkmen Rymbui has urged Union Education Minister Pralhad Joshi to step in and resolve two major hurdles plaguing the execution of the Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman (PM POSHAN) scheme in the State.
In a letter to Joshi, Rymbui described the cook-cum-helpers as the backbone of the PM POSHAN scheme, noting that they not only cook and serve meals but also maintain food safety and frequently manage fuel, water, and storage needs.
However, the Education Minister noted that the central government’s share of the honorarium for the cooks and helpers has remained stagnant at Rs 1,000 for several years, while the state government contributes a matching Rs 1,000. Pointing to a sharp rise in the cost of living, Rymbui noted that cook-cum-helpers have been agitating for a wage revision and requested the Union Ministry of Education to upwardly revise the central funding norm, bringing their remuneration closer to a ‘dignified’ level to ensure the smooth running of the scheme. On the second issue, he said under PAB 2025-26, the ministry had approved Rs 7,381.63 lakh for construction of 829 kitchen-cum-stores in schools that do not have them.
Due to technical issues, Meghalaya could not utilise the funds within the stipulated time and the amount was surrendered. Rymbui said the need for kitchen sheds remains urgent as without proper kitchen-cum-store, meals are being cooked in makeshift or unsafe spaces. The minister said technical issues have since been addressed and Meghalaya is now fully prepared to take up construction without delay.
The Meghalaya Education Minister requested the Centre to re-approve the Rs 7,381.63 lakh for construction and assured timely utilisation and submission of utilisation certificates.
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