Govt to link cook appointments in schools with actual student strength

The state education department has introduced a new staffing policy for the Mid-Day Meal Scheme under which the appointment of cooks and helpers in government primary schools will now depend on the actual number of enrolled students instead of estimated enrolment figures.

The reform is aimed at improving the efficiency and continuity of meal services across nearly 71,000 primary schools covered under the scheme.

Vinayak Mishra has directed all district programme officers to upload updated student enrolment data on the e-ShikshaKosh portal. The department said the revised system will help determine staffing requirements more accurately and ensure schools have sufficient personnel to prepare and distribute meals on time.

Earlier, staffing calculations under the scheme were based on 85 per cent of total enrolment, a figure later reduced to 75 per cent. The new policy removes the use of estimated percentages and shifts entirely to real-time enrolment data.

Under the revised guidelines, vacancies created due to retirement at the age of 60, resignation, or death will no longer be filled according to previous staffing calculations. Instead, fresh appointments will be made strictly on the basis of current student strength in individual schools.

The department has instructed officials to fill all vacant cook and helper posts within one month to avoid disruption in meal services. Officials said the move is intended to ensure that no child is deprived of meals because of staffing shortages.

The new guidelines also introduce stricter accountability measures. If any cook or helper position remains vacant for more than one month, departmental action may be initiated against the concerned officials. Responsibility for delays will rest with district education programme officers.

Officials believe the system could improve transparency and resource allocation within the Mid-Day Meal Scheme by aligning staffing directly with the number of children being served.

Cooperative department gives temporary higher charge to 212 employees

In a separate administrative decision, the state cooperative department has assigned temporary higher responsibilities to 212 non-gazetted employees.

The decision was approved during a departmental screening committee meeting chaired by Rajneesh Kumar Singh on April 24.

According to the notification, 79 upper divisional clerks have been given charge as head clerks, while 54 senior audit officers have been assigned responsibilities as sub-divisional audit officers. Several other employees across clerical and extension categories have also received temporary promotions.

The department said reservation provisions for persons with disabilities were taken into account during the process. Employees assigned higher responsibilities will receive the salary and benefits attached to the upgraded posts.