Yogi Adityanath announces health cover for 3.54 lakh UP mid-day meal cooks

Yogi Adityanath has announced cashless medical cards for 3.54 lakh mid-day meal cooks in Uttar Pradesh. The move is being presented as a welfare measure focused on their health, safety and dignity.Adityanath described the cooks as “karmayogis” and said their work reflected both dedication and care towards children. (File Photo: ITG)Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday announced the launch of cashless medical cards for 3.54 lakh cooks working under the state's mid-day meal programme, describing the initiative as a step towards ensuring their health, safety and dignity.In a post on X, Adityanath said the cooking carried out in school kitchens goes beyond preparing meals, as it contributes to the health, education and future of millions of children.He paid tribute to the women working as cooks under the PM Poshan scheme, referring to them as the “foundational strength” of the programme and highlighting their contribution to providing meals to schoolchildren."Our cook mothers and sisters, who fulfill this sacred duty with their labor and maternal affection, are the true foundational strength of PM Poshan," read his tweet. (Credits: X/Yogi Adityanath) MEDICAL CARDS FOR MID-DAY MEAL COOKSAccording to Adityanath, the distribution of cashless medical cards for 3.54 lakh mid-day meal cooks in Uttar Pradesh will be inaugurated alongside an event to honour the workers.The initiative is aimed at providing healthcare support to the cooks who are involved in preparing meals for children enrolled in government schools. Adityanath described the cooks as “karmayogis” and said their work reflected both dedication and care towards children. He also highlighted the contribution of women working in school kitchens, referring to them as “cook mothers and sisters”.The Chief Minister said the initiative represented a broader approach that moves from recognising the workers' contribution to addressing their health and safety needs.FOCUS ON WELFARE AND DIGNITYAdityanath said the initiative reflected the state government's commitment to providing mid-day meal cooks with more secure and dignified lives.He linked the programme to the welfare agenda of the BJP-led “double-engine government”, referring to the governments at the Centre and in Uttar Pradesh.The PM Poshan scheme provides cooked meals to children in eligible government and government-aided schools across India. School cooks play a key role in implementing the programme at the ground level by preparing and serving meals.- EndsPublished By: Ritaban MisraPublished On: Aug 23, 2026 08:54 IST