Lucknow, 23 Aug (HS): Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi

Adityanath announced on Sunday the launch of cashless medical cards for 3.54

lakh chefs employed under the state's mid-day meal program, citing the effort

as a step toward safeguarding their health, safety, and dignity. In a post on

X, Adityanath stated that cooking in school kitchens goes beyond making meals,

as it benefits the health, education, and futures of millions of youngsters. He

praised the women who serve as chefs under the PM Poshan scheme, referring to

them as the program's basic strength and emphasizing their role in delivering

meals to schools. Our kitchen moms and sisters, who carry out this holy duty

with their labor and maternal devotion, are the genuine bedrock strength of PM

Poshan, according to his post on X.

According to Adityanath, the distribution of cashless

medical cards to 3.54 lakh mid-day meal chefs in Uttar Pradesh would coincide

with a ceremony to honor workers. The project aims to provide healthcare

support to cooks who prepare meals for children enrolled in government schools.

Adityanath referred to the chefs as karmayogis, saying their labor represented

commitment and caring for children. He also praised the contributions of women

who work in school kitchens, referring to them as cook mothers and sisters. The

project, according to the Chief Minister, represents a larger strategy that extends

beyond recognizing workers' contributions and addresses their health and safety

concerns. Adityanath stated that the effort represented the state government's

commitment to providing midday meal chefs with a more secure and dignified

existence.

He linked the initiative to the welfare goal of the BJP-led

double-engine administration, alluding to both the central and state

governments in Uttar Pradesh. The PM Poshan program delivers prepared meals to

students in qualifying government and government-aided schools throughout

India. School chefs play an important role in administering the program at the

ground level by preparing and serving meals.

In a post on X, UP CM remarked, “The burning stove in the

school kitchen does not merely cook food; it fuels the health, education, and

bright future of millions of children. Our cook mothers and sisters, who

fulfill this sacred duty with their labor and maternal affection, are the true foundational

strength of 'PM Poshan.' Today, alongside honoring these karmayogi cooks, the

distribution of cashless medical cards will be inaugurated for 3.54 lakh mid-day

meal cooks in the state. This initiative—from honor to health and safety—is an

expression of the 'Double Engine Government''s gratitude toward the labor of

our cook mothers and sisters, and its commitment to their secure and dignified

lives.”

Hindusthan Samachar / Abhishek Awasthi