Lucknow, August 23: Ahead of the 2027 assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath made significant announcements regarding social security for 353,000 cooks on Sunday. While addressing the Cook’s Honor Ceremony in Lucknow, he also launched a sharp attack on the Samajwadi Party (SP).
Yogi criticized the SP government’s record on law and order and education. He pointed to videos showcasing dilapidated school buildings, asserting that those responsible for their condition are now highlighting their decay. He stated that before 2017, the education system in the state was in disarray, forcing children from poor families to endure harsh weather conditions while commuting to school. Today, he noted, students are provided with uniforms, shoes, and sweaters.
The Chief Minister claimed that the education system is now moving towards better standards, free from cheating. Regarding the deteriorating school buildings, he remarked that some individuals are attempting to place the government under scrutiny by showcasing these structures, many of which were built during previous administrations. The government is now identifying these buildings for replacement with new ones, having implemented extensive reforms in the school system.
He highlighted the expansion of Kasturba Gandhi Girls’ Schools, the introduction of Balvatika, ICT labs, and other facilities, emphasizing ongoing efforts to provide a better environment for children. Without naming SP President Akhilesh Yadav, he mockingly referred to him as ‘Babu’ and asserted that effective governance requires both time and effort. His administration continuously reviews each plan and department’s performance.
Yogi sarcastically noted that those who used to wake up late, go to the gym in the evening, and socialize had little time for the state. He affirmed that his government now dedicates ample time to state affairs, which is why the results of various schemes are evident.
The Chief Minister also criticized the previous government’s handling of law and order, stating that land encroachments were rampant and public safety, especially for women, was a concern. He asserted that the law and order situation has improved, prioritizing the safety of women in the state.
Before Raksha Bandhan, Yogi announced four initiatives under the PM Poshan Yojana for the cooks working in government and aided schools. These include raising their honorarium to ₹3,000, providing ₹2 lakh in accident assistance, offering cashless treatment up to ₹5 lakh annually for each cook’s family, and doubling the amount allocated for uniforms.
During the ceremony at Indira Gandhi Pratishthan in Lucknow, the Chief Minister symbolically distributed cashless medical cards to 11 cooks. Approximately 1,500 cooks attended the event, with similar programs held at district and tehsil levels to honor them.
Yogi emphasized that until now, there was insufficient social security for cooks. The government will open bank accounts for them to directly deposit their honorarium. In case of an accident, families will receive ₹2 lakh assistance, while members can avail cashless treatment up to ₹5 lakh annually at listed hospitals in case of illness. He stressed that the role of cooks extends beyond feeding children; it is also about providing nutritious meals for a healthy childhood.
He urged cooks to maintain kitchen cleanliness and prepare meals according to the prescribed menu. He stressed that there should be no negligence in food preparation and emphasized the need to restrict unauthorized access to kitchens, ensuring food quality to prevent incidents of food poisoning.
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