MHRD to visit govt schools to review mid-day meal scheme

A team from the ministry of human resource and development (MHRD) is going to visit government schools to inspect proper functioning of the mid-day meal scheme in Ludhiana from January 23 to 25.

However, a few principals and headmasters of government schools are going to be on duty for Republic day rehearsals at the SCD Government College campus.

Talking to Hindustan Times, one of the school principal on condition of anonymity said, “I am on duty for the rehearsals of Republic day celebrations and it is not possible to be present at two places. On my behalf, I have asked the vice-principal of the school to provide all the details to the team.”

Another headmaster, who wished not to be named, said, “Since I will be on duty for Republic day rehearsals, I have asked the teachers to complete their mid-day meal registers so that we can provide all the needed information to the team.”

The government schools have received an email from the district education officer (DEO), which says that all the school heads should be present from January 23 to 25.

The school heads are also asked not to sanction leave to those teachers who are in charge of the mid-day meal scheme from January 23 to 25. The stock of available food grains in the schools will be verified by the team of MHRD.

When contacted, Tarsem Singh Banga, in charge of the mid-day meal scheme, Ludhiana, said, “We have received the directions from the head office and the same has been sent to the government schools. A team from MHRD will visit the schools from January 23 to 25. Hence, schools have been asked to complete their mid-day meal registers.”

Despite repeated attempts, the district education officer, (elementary) Ranjit Singh Malhi was not available for comments.

Problems faced by government schools

Insufficient funds
Few schools without food grains
No subsidy for LPG cylinders