The move, approved by the Centre, aims to fill vacancies and ensure every school; no matter how small or large; has enough kitchen staff to serve nutritious mid-day meals on time. With student enrollment dictating cook count (2 cooks for up to 25 students, scaling up to 7 for 1,001–1,500), this isn’t just about food; it’s about attendance, nutrition, and local livelihoods. The scheme traditionally empowers women, especially in rural areas, offering dignified work close to home. As the new academic year kicks off, the state is putting its money where its mouth is; literally; to make sure no child goes hungry at school.