Bihar CM Nitish Kumar announces hike in honorariums for school cooks, watchmen, and PE instructors

New Delhi: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Friday announced a substantial increase in the honorariums of key support staff working in the state’s education sector, including cooks, night watchmen, and physical education and health instructors.The decision, he said, is part of a broader effort to improve the state’s education infrastructure and motivate those who contribute to it.In a detailed post on X, the Chief Minister highlighted the progress made in the education sector since his government assumed office in 2005. “Since the formation of the government in November 2005, we have been continuously working to improve the education system. In 2005, the total education budget was ₹4,366 crore, which has now increased to ₹77,690 crore,” Kumar wrote.He cited several developments, including the recruitment of a large number of teachers, the construction of new school buildings, and the expansion of essential infrastructure. The Chief Minister also acknowledged the critical role of non-teaching staff in strengthening the education system.“Significant improvements have been made in the education system through the appointment of a large number of teachers, construction of new school buildings, and development of basic infrastructure. Cooks, night watchmen, and physical education and health instructors have played an important role in strengthening the education system,” he said.Recognising their contributions, Kumar announced a major revision in their compensation. “Keeping this in mind, we have decided to double their honorarium, making a respectable increase in their remuneration. It has been decided to double the honorarium of cooks working under the mid-day meal programme in the Education Department, increasing it from ₹1,650 to ₹3,300. Similarly, the honorarium of night watchmen working in secondary/higher secondary schools has been doubled from ₹5,000 to ₹10,000. Additionally, the honorarium of physical education and health instructors has been increased from ₹8,000 to ₹16,000,” he said.He also announced an increase in their annual salary increment from ₹200 to ₹400, stating that the move would boost morale.“This will boost the morale of the working staff, and they will perform their duties with greater enthusiasm and dedication,” he added.The announcement marks a significant step in recognising the contributions of educators and support staff in Bihar’s education system.