LUCKNOW, Aug 23: The Uttar Pradesh government has announced cashless medical coverage for 3.54 lakh cooks working under the state’s mid-day meal programme, expanding healthcare protection for workers associated with government schools.
The initiative was announced by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and will provide eligible cooks with cashless medical cards, enabling them to access healthcare services without having to bear the full cost upfront.
The move is aimed at strengthening social security for workers who play an important role in preparing and serving meals to schoolchildren across the state.
Scheme to widen healthcare access
The government said the medical cards are intended to make treatment more accessible to beneficiaries and reduce financial barriers when they require medical attention.
The initiative covers a large workforce engaged with the school meal system and is expected to provide additional support to families that could otherwise face difficulties meeting healthcare expenses.
Officials have increasingly focused on expanding access to healthcare benefits for workers and economically vulnerable sections of society through government-backed schemes.
Focus on welfare of frontline workers
Mid-day meal cooks form an important part of the school nutrition system, preparing meals for children enrolled in government and aided schools.
The new health benefit adds a welfare component to their existing role and is expected to provide greater financial security in cases requiring hospital treatment or other medical services.
The announcement comes amid broader efforts by governments to strengthen healthcare access and social protection for workers outside formal employment structures.
The Uttar Pradesh initiative is expected to benefit thousands of families by providing a dedicated route to cashless medical treatment and reducing the financial burden associated with healthcare needs.