Kerala Sets National Benchmark with Highest Honorarium for Mid-Day Meal Workers
In a significant development highlighting state-level initiatives, Kerala has emerged as the top performer in providing the highest honorarium to mid-day meal workers across India. According to recent government disclosures in Parliament, the state's commitment far surpasses the central government's minimal financial contribution under the PM POSHAN scheme.
Details of Kerala's Enhanced Honorarium
Minister of State Jayant Chaudhary informed the Rajya Sabha that Kerala offers an additional honorarium of Rs 11,000 per month, bringing the total monthly payment to Rs 12,000. This figure is the highest among all states. Furthermore, the Kerala government has implemented subsequent revisions, including enhancements in 2025 and a further increase in the 2026–27 budget by Rs 75 per day. This adjustment effectively raises the monthly honorarium to Rs 13,500, with the state's additional share alone reaching Rs 12,500.
Central Government's Contribution Remains Low
The prescribed honorarium under the PM POSHAN scheme remains at Rs 1,000 per month for ten months annually. Of this amount, the central government contributes only Rs 600 per month, with states typically covering the remaining Rs 400. This contribution has not been revised for years, despite rising inflation and repeated appeals from various states.
Comparative Analysis with Other States
While Kerala leads with its substantial honorarium, other states show varied contributions:
- Tamil Nadu provides additional honorarium ranging from Rs 3,100 to Rs 11,500, depending on the category.
- Haryana contributes Rs 7,000 per month.
- Himachal Pradesh and Chandigarh each provide Rs 4,500.
- Punjab offers Rs 3,000.
- Rajasthan contributes Rs 2,143.
- West Bengal provides Rs 2,000.
- Delhi, Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh each contribute Rs 1,000 per month.
Political and Social Implications
Rajya Sabha MP John Brittas commented on the data, stating that it exposes a broader structural concern. He emphasized that the Union government maintains an unreasonably low financial commitment, forcing states to shoulder the responsibility of ensuring fair remuneration for workers. Brittas, a Left leader, noted that Kerala's approach reflects a sustained commitment to ensuring fair compensation and dignity of labor, particularly for women from economically vulnerable backgrounds who predominantly serve as mid-day meal workers.
Overview of the PM POSHAN Scheme
The midday meal scheme, now rebranded as PM POSHAN, aims to provide free, hot-cooked meals to children in government, aided, and special training centers. Its primary objectives include reducing classroom hunger, combating malnutrition, and improving school attendance for over 11.8 crore children across India.
This development underscores Kerala's proactive stance in enhancing worker welfare, setting a precedent for other states to follow in addressing the financial disparities within national nutrition programs.
