The Nitish Kumar-led Bihar government has announced a two-fold increase in the monthly honorarium for school support staff, including cooks, night guards, and physical education and health instructors, just ahead of the state assembly elections.

Sharing the update on social media platform X, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar said his government has been working to improve education since it came to power in 2005. He pointed out that the state’s education budget has grown from Rs 4,366 crore in 2005 to Rs 77,690 crore today. He highlighted improvements like hiring more teachers, building new schools, and upgrading basic infrastructure.

Acknowledging the efforts of support staff, Kumar said, “Cooks, night guards, and physical education and health instructors have played an important role in strengthening the education system. As a mark of respect, we have decided to double their honorarium.”

Under this announcement, cooks working under the mid-day meal scheme will now receive Rs 3,300 per month, up from Rs 1,650. Night guards posted in secondary and higher secondary schools will receive Rs 10,000 per month, up from the earlier Rs 5,000. Similarly, the monthly honorarium for physical education and health instructors has been doubled from Rs 8,000 to Rs 16,000. Also, their annual salary increment has been raised from Rs 200 to Rs 400.

The Chief Minister said this decision will boost the morale of workers and encourage them to perform their duties with greater dedication. Earlier, as part of pre-election benefits, Nitish Kumar had also announced 125 units of free electricity for every household from August 1, and 35% reservation in government jobs for women who are permanent residents of Bihar.