As Bihar prepares for its upcoming assembly elections, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar continues to make impactful announcements. Early on August 1, an important update was shared through his official social media handle. It stated that several education-linked workers in the state will now receive double their current salaries.

The state government has approved a significant hike in the honorarium of key support staff in Bihar’s education sector. This includes midday meal cooks, night guards in secondary and higher secondary schools, and instructors for physical education and health. The announcement is part of a broader campaign to strengthen the state’s educational infrastructure ahead of the polls.

According to the Chief Minister, the decision aims to recognize the critical roles played by these employees in the school ecosystem. By increasing their salaries, the government hopes to both motivate and reward their efforts over the years.

Midday Meal Cooks to Receive Double Pay

Chief Minister Nitish Kumar stated that cooks working under the midday meal scheme will now earn ₹3,300 monthly. This is a 100 percent increase from their earlier remuneration of ₹1,650. These cooks are employed under the Education Department and have been playing a key role in implementing the mid-day meal program.

The midday meal scheme has been a backbone of Bihar’s school nutrition program, encouraging students to attend classes regularly. These meals not only support student health but also improve classroom engagement and learning outcomes. The decision to double the salary of cooks reflects the administration’s intent to value their role in shaping the future of Bihar’s children.

The Chief Minister emphasized that cooks in schools work in tough conditions and often without due recognition. This pay hike is expected to improve their quality of life and give them the respect they deserve for their consistent service.

Night Guards in Schools Also Benefit

Night guards stationed in secondary and higher secondary schools will also see their honorarium doubled. Their monthly payment will now rise from ₹5,000 to ₹10,000. These employees ensure the safety and security of school infrastructure, especially during off-school hours.

Bihar has witnessed large-scale investment in building new school facilities over the past two decades. These include classrooms, computer labs, science blocks, and libraries. As a result, the presence of night guards has become even more critical in protecting these valuable assets.

The salary hike, therefore, is not only a reward for their work but also an investment in protecting the state’s educational infrastructure. It reinforces the importance the state places on security within the education system.

Physical Education and Health Instructors to Earn ₹16,000

The honorarium for physical education and health instructors has also been doubled. From the previous salary of ₹8,000 per month, they will now receive ₹16,000. These instructors have been instrumental in promoting physical well-being and health awareness among students in government-run schools.

In recent years, the Bihar government has focused on making schools centers of holistic development. Physical education plays a vital role in building discipline, improving health, and developing teamwork among students. With this revised honorarium, the state hopes to retain and attract more competent professionals in this domain.

The announcement also includes an increase in their annual salary increment. Earlier, they received a raise of ₹200 per year. From now, their yearly increment will be ₹400, reflecting an overall improved compensation structure.

Bihar’s Growing Education Budget and Commitment to Reform

In his message, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar recalled the journey of educational reform that began in 2005, when he first assumed office. At that time, the total education budget in Bihar stood at ₹4,366 crore. Today, that budget has increased nearly eighteenfold to ₹77,690 crore.

He attributed this growth to the government’s consistent focus on strengthening the education system. Over the years, the state has appointed thousands of teachers, constructed new school buildings, and improved basic infrastructure. These developments have laid a strong foundation for delivering quality education across Bihar.

The Chief Minister noted that alongside teachers and administrative staff, support workers like midday meal cooks, night guards, and physical education instructors have played a key role in this transformation. Their contribution in ensuring school functionality, safety, and student health is indispensable.

Respect and Recognition for School Support Staff

Nitish Kumar stressed that this honorarium hike is more than a financial decision. It reflects the state’s commitment to acknowledging the work done by these lesser-known yet essential workers. In the Chief Minister’s words, this is a “respectable increase” that recognizes their role in the broader effort to improve education in Bihar.

The announcement signals a people-first approach to governance, especially during a politically significant period. With elections around the corner, the state leadership is actively engaging with various voter groups, including government workers and educators.

By increasing the wages of school support staff, the Bihar government aims to enhance morale within the education system. This move is likely to resonate with rural and urban communities alike, where schools are not just learning centers but pillars of community life.

A Strategic Political Move Ahead of Elections

Analysts see this announcement as part of the broader political narrative taking shape ahead of the state assembly elections. Such welfare measures are aimed at consolidating support from grassroots workers and rural families who form a significant voter base.

The increase in honorarium will directly impact thousands of households across Bihar. These include families that rely on these modest salaries for their livelihood. The move could also lead to greater political goodwill for the ruling coalition, which is focusing on development as a key campaign theme.

However, critics may point out the timing of the announcement, arguing that it is politically motivated. Yet, for the workers receiving these benefits, the impact is immediate and tangible. For many, this salary hike may bring long-awaited financial relief and recognition.

Building a More Inclusive Education Ecosystem

Bihar’s journey of education reform has not been without challenges. Teacher shortages, poor infrastructure, and irregular attendance have long plagued the system. However, consistent investment over the past two decades has yielded visible improvements.

The government’s latest decision adds to the series of reforms aimed at making education more inclusive and efficient. Support staff are often the unsung heroes of government schools. Their contribution, while invisible in academic outcomes, is critical to the day-to-day functioning of educational institutions.

By prioritizing their welfare, the state government is sending a message that no worker is too small to matter. This approach strengthens the overall educational ecosystem, ensuring that every stakeholder is valued and motivated.

As Bihar heads into another election season, the focus remains on development, welfare, and governance. Education continues to be a priority area, and more policy initiatives are likely to follow in the coming months.

While the salary hike is a welcome step, long-term success will depend on consistent implementation and timely disbursal of funds. Monitoring mechanisms will be necessary to ensure that the increased honorariums reach the intended beneficiaries without delay or mismanagement.

Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s announcement is a strong signal of the government’s direction. It combines governance with political messaging, aiming to showcase results while reaching out to grassroots workers. The state’s growing education budget, the commitment to infrastructure, and now the enhanced honorariums all point to a larger strategy to make Bihar’s education system more robust and equitable.