Half the Blocks' Bills Still in Queue: Diwali Kitchens of 4,748 Cook-cum-Helpers to Stay Dim, ₹5.10 Crore Honorarium Stuck for 6 Months
In Bhilwara, 4,748 cook-cum-helpers who run kitchens in government schools have not received their honorarium for 6 months, from April to September. As per the report, about ₹5.10 crore is pending, and hopes of payment even at Diwali are described as slim.
Bills of many blocks are still in process. The report says bills of some blocks have been sent to the cell in Jaipur while the rest are not complete, so relief for everyone together looks difficult.
The Situation in Numbers
| Point | Detail |
|---|---|
| Affected cook-cum-helpers | 4,748 |
| Period pending | April to September (6 months) |
| Total pending amount | About ₹5.10 crore |
| Status of bills | Some blocks' bills sent, rest in process |
| Main problem | Delay in preparing bills and payment |
Daily Kitchens and a Small Honorarium
Cook-cum-helpers reach school first every morning to cook, and run their families on this small honorarium. As per the report, with about half the blocks' bills still in queue, further delay in payment is feared. Not receiving dues at festival time is a big financial strain on these families.
Context: The Bigger Mid-Day Meal Payment Problem
Delays in mid-day meal payments in Rajasthan have been reported before, including schools buying dal and oil on credit. A teachers' organisation has also raised the issue of the honorarium of meal workers with the Additional Chief Secretary and reported an assurance of most payments by Diwali.
What May Happen Next
- Waiting for bills to pass and payment to be released through the treasury.
- Demand for blocks with pending bills to prepare and send them quickly.
- Awaiting an official notice from the Education Department on the payment timeline.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How many cook-cum-helpers in Bhilwara are unpaid?
As per the report, 4,748.
How much is pending?
About ₹5.10 crore.
Which months are pending?
April to September, 6 months in all.
Is payment possible by Diwali?
As per the report, relief for all together is described as difficult.
Note: This story has been written in our own words by the Emitrawala.com team, based on newspaper reports and public information. Figures and dates are as per the reports; please confirm with the official order or notice. Source: Patrika (Bhilwara). Figures are as per the report.
