SHILLONG, JUL 20: Cook-cum-Helpers working under the PM Poshan scheme in Meghalaya and across the North East on Monday urged the Centre to revise their monthly honorarium, which they said has remained unchanged at Rs 900 for over 20 years.
Adviser of the Cook-cum-Helper PM Poshan, Meghalaya, Khroo L. Pariat, said the union would be forced to halt implementation of the scheme in the region if the demand is not addressed.
Speaking to reporters, Pariat said a memorandum has been submitted to the Prime Minister, Ministry of Education and Ministry of Finance seeking an increase to Rs 9,000 per month from the Union Government’s share.
“On behalf of Cook-cum-Helpers of Meghalaya and the North Eastern region, we sincerely appeal to the Prime Minister to enhance the decade-old honorarium,” Pariat said.
He said the issue was also raised with the Union Finance Minister during her recent visit to Shillong, in the presence of deputy chief minister Sniawbhalang Dhar and education minister Lahkmen Rymbui.
“She told us the matter is under process with the Ministries of Finance and Education, but there are legal issues as someone has moved court,” he added.
With the Monsoon Session underway, Pariat appealed to all MPs from the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha to push for an immediate hike.
Pariat highlighted the role of Cook-cum-Helpers, a workforce largely comprising women from the North East.
“They have played a major role in shaping primary education. After PM Poshan, the earlier Mid-Day Meal, was implemented regularly, we saw more children coming to school and that contributed to peace in a region once affected by militancy,” he said.
The adviser pointed out the disparity between state and central contributions. Under the 90:10 funding pattern for the North East, Meghalaya has raised its share from Rs 100 to Rs 1,100 per month in 2022.
“Meghalaya now pays the highest in the North East. Assam and Arunachal pay Rs 1,500, other NE states pay Rs 1,000. Nationally, Kerala pays Rs 12,000 and Delhi Rs 8,000. Meghalaya ranks 5th,” Pariat said.
With over 20,000 members in the state as per government records, he said the current central honorarium is not sustainable.
“If the Union Government does not enhance it, we will have no option but to stop implementing the scheme,” he warned.
By Our Reporter
