LUCKNOW: The Uttar Pradesh government is set to begin the selection process for 3,53,536 cooks in council-run schools under the Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman (PM POSHAN) Scheme for the academic year 2026-27. After receiving approval from the Government of India, the Director General of School Education has directed all District Basic Education Officers (BSA) to complete the selection process within 15 days and submit their reports as per the government guidelines. Any vacant positions are also likely to be filled as part of the exercise to ensure that every eligible school has the required number of cooks. All the appointments will be closely monitored until completed and before the new academic session gains momentum.
The large-scale recruitment exercise will ensure the smooth implementation of the PM POSHAN scheme, formerly known as the Mid-Day Meal Scheme, across government and aided primary and upper primary schools in Uttar Pradesh. Through this scheme nutritious meals are provided to millions of school children. This plays a vital role in improving attendance and learning outcomes.
#BREAKING: उत्तर प्रदेश के परिषदीय विद्यालयों में प्रधानमंत्री पोषण (PM पोषण) योजना के तहत वर्ष 2026-27 के लिए 3,53,536 रसोइयों के चयन की प्रक्रिया शुरू होगी। भारत सरकार से मंजूरी मिलने के बाद महानिदेशक स्कूल शिक्षा ने सभी जिला बेसिक शिक्षा अधिकारियों (बीएसए) को 15 दिन के भीतर… pic.twitter.com/fVyKRIKMEs
— Uttarpradesh Newz (@upnewz_) July 12, 2026
Number of Cooks to Depend on Student Enrolment
According to the guidelines, the number of cooks to be appointed in each school will depend on the enrollment of students. Schools that have a higher number of enrolled students will be allotted more cooks so that meals are prepared and served efficiently. The following norms have been prescribed:
- Up to 25 students: 2 cooks
- 26 to 100 students: 3 cooks
- 101 to 200 students: 4 cooks
- 201 to 300 students: 5 cooks
- 301 to 1,000 students: 6 cooks
- 1,001 to 1,500 students: 7 cooks
For schools with more than 1,500 students, the selection process will be carried out in accordance with other special provisions mentioned in the government orders. The selection process will be carried out according to the existing government orders and eligibility criteria laid down for the engagement of cook-cum-helpers under the PM POSHAN scheme.
Officials said that having enough cooks in schools is important to run the PM POSHAN scheme smoothly, especially in schools that have a large number of students. The new appointments are expected to fill staff shortages and ensure that meals are prepared on time and served properly to children.
What is PM POSHAN Scheme?
The PM POSHAN scheme is one of the world’s largest school feeding programmes which aims to provide nutritional status to the children who study in government and government-aided schools. In Uttar Pradesh, the scheme benefits lakhs of students every day by providing them with a cooked mid-day meal. The new selection of cooks is expected to make the PM POSHAN scheme run more smoothly by ensuring that schools have enough staff to prepare and serve meals without any problems. The government believes that regular and timely meals can encourage children to attend school more often and help reduce drop-out rates.
It will also help in maintaining hygiene standards in school kitchens and ensure that meals are prepared on time. Proper staffing is considered essential for maintaining the quality of food and ensuring that children receive nutritious meals as per the prescribed menu.
The engagement of over 3.53 lakh cooks will create employment opportunities at the grassroots level. Traditionally, the appointment of cooks under the PM POSHAN scheme has provided a source of income to women and economically weaker sections in rural areas. In many cases, local women, including members of self-help groups and disadvantaged communities, are engaged as cook-cum-helpers. The latest selection process will generate significant livelihood opportunities across these districts, particularly in villages whereby employment opportunities are limited.
Focus on Timely and Quality Meals
The primary objective behind the exercise is to make the PM POSHAN scheme more organised and effective. The Yogi government wants to ensure that students receive timely, nutritious and quality meals without any interruption. Over the years, the mid-day meal programme has played an important role in improving children’s nutritional intake and encouraging regular school attendance. With adequate staff in place, schools are expected to deliver meals more efficiently and maintain better standards of hygiene and food safety.
