Odisha Govt Announces To Pay Rs 1 Lakh Ex Gratia For Death Of Cooks In Schools

Bhubaneswar: In a financial relief to cook-cum-helpers engaged in preparing mid-day meals in schools, the Odisha government has announced to pay ex gratia to their families in case of their death in service.

According to a notification, issued on Saturday, the School and Mass Education department said the government would pay a one-time ex gratia of Rs 1 lakh to the family of the cook-cum-helper working under PM POSHAN programme in case of his/her death during service period.

Sating that the decision will provide social security to the cook-cum-helpers, the department said the ex gratia would be paid through RTGS/NEFT mode directly to the bank account of the claimant(s).

The expenditure will be met out of the State Budget under State Support for the programme. The decision will be effective from the date of issue of the notification, it added.

PM POSHAN, a Centrally sponsored scheme, is implemented in Odisha for improving the nutrition of children studying in Classes I to VIII in government and government aided schools.