Lucknow: To make the Pradhan Mantri Poshan (PM Poshan) scheme more effective, the process of selection of cooks is going to start in the council schools of Uttar Pradesh. The state government has decided to appoint cooks on the basis of the number of students in schools for the year 2026-27. In this regard, necessary guidelines have been issued to the basic education officers of all the districts.

Appointment will be decided according to the number of students

Under the new system, the number of cooks will be determined based on the number of students enrolled in each school. In schools where there are up to 25 students, two cooks will be appointed. Three cooks will be appointed in schools with 26 to 100 students, four from 101 to 200, five from 201 to 300 and six cooks will be appointed in schools with 301 to 1000 students. If there are 1001 to 1500 students enrolled in a school, seven cooks will be appointed there. In schools with student numbers more than this, additional cooks will be selected as per the standards set by the government.

The process will start in all districts

On behalf of the Director General, School Education, instructions have been given to all the District Basic Education Officers (BSA) to first verify the school-wise student numbers. After this, the selection process should be completed in the eligible schools as per the prescribed rules. Besides, instructions have also been given to complete the entire action within the prescribed time limit and send its report to the government.

There will be special emphasis on transparency

The government has clarified that complete transparency will be maintained in the selection of cooks. Officials at the district level will ensure that appointments are made as per the set standards and eligibility. This will make the selection process fair and all eligible candidates will get equal opportunity.

Midday meal system will be strengthened

Under the Pradhan Mantri Poshan Yojana, nutritious food is provided to lakhs of children in schools every day. With the appointment of adequate number of cooks, the system of food preparation and distribution will be more smooth. This will help in providing timely food to the children in schools and will also help in maintaining the quality. The government believes that with the implementation of the new system, not only will the operation of PM Nutrition Scheme be better, but the work system in schools will also become more organized and students will get direct benefits from it.