Bihar Doubles Honorariums for Cooks, Watchmen, and Instructors in Education Sector

On August 1, 2025, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar announced a major pay hike for key support staff in the state's education sector. The decision is part of a broader effort to improve the education infrastructure and motivate those who contribute to it.

Kumar highlighted the significant progress made in the education system since his government took office in 2005, including the recruitment of a large number of teachers, the construction of new school buildings, and the expansion of essential infrastructure. Recognizing the critical role of non-teaching staff, the Chief Minister announced a substantial increase in their compensation.

Effective immediately, the honorarium of cooks working under the mid-day meal program has been doubled from ₹1,650 to ₹3,300. Similarly, the honorarium of night watchmen working in secondary and higher secondary schools has been increased from ₹5,000 to ₹10,000. Additionally, the honorarium of physical education and health instructors has been raised from ₹8,000 to ₹16,000.

The Chief Minister stated that this move will boost the morale of the working staff and encourage them to perform their duties with greater enthusiasm and dedication. The announcement marks a significant step in recognizing the contributions of educators and support staff in Bihar's education system.