Kolkata, July 5: The state government is taking stringent measures to curb corruption in the mid-day meal scheme. The School Education Department is implementing a ‘zero-tolerance’ policy. Designated officials will inspect everything from food quality to storage facilities. Directives have also been issued for daily inspections in a district in North Bengal.
What will be inspected?—-
According to department sources, the inspections will focus on five key areas:
- Food Quality: Verifying the food served to students daily.
- Student Count: Tracking the number of students receiving the mid-day meal each day.
- Storage: Checking the quantity of food stocked for future use.
- Kitchen Infrastructure: Assessing kitchen cleanliness and facilities.
- Menu Display: Ensuring the daily menu is prominently displayed in the school as per regulations.
A department official stated, “Inspections must be conducted thoroughly, and the collected data must be preserved. We must ensure that students are under no circumstances served substandard food.”
Increased Allocation, Yet Allegations of Corruption:—
The state government recently increased the budget allocation for mid-day meals at the primary level. Finance Minister Swapan Dasgupta announced this while presenting the budget in the Assembly. Education circles point out that despite the increased funding, numerous allegations of corruption regarding the scheme have surfaced. Consequently, a decision has been made to have the District Inspector of Schools’ office verify all records.
‘People Can Survive on a Vegetarian Diet Too,’ Says Education Minister:—
Earlier, the School Education Minister had remarked regarding the mid-day meal scheme, “Does nutrition come only from eggs? People can survive on a vegetarian diet too.” This comment had sparked a controversy. Reaction from Teachers’ Associations:
Swapan Mondal, General Secretary of the Bangiya Shikshak o Shikshakarmi Samiti, stated, “Various complaints regarding the mid-day meal scheme have surfaced from time to time. There should be no compromise when it comes to the food provided to children. Alongside official inspections, schools themselves must remain vigilant about this matter.”
Manas Kumar Maity, a mathematics teacher at Srirampur Haraprasad High School in East Medinipur and a renowned poet, remarked, “In addition to maintaining kitchen hygiene, the quality of the food must be improved in compliance with regulations. Priority should be given to cleanliness and nutritional value. Regular government oversight would certainly curb corruption.”
