State Food Commission member checks mid-day meal quality in govt schools

Member of Punjab State Food Commission, Vijay Dutt, conducted a surprise inspection at different government schools and Anganwadi centres located in Jandiala Guru and Rayya blocks of Amritsar. The inspection was done to take stock of the schemes being run under the National Food Security Act (NFSA).

In Jandiala Guru block, schools in Ballia Manjpur and in Rayya block, schools in village Niranjanpur, were inspected.

During the inspection, it was found that in many schools, food tasting registers for mid-day meal did not exist and at some places, the registers were not maintained for months. Besides, the staff preparing the mid-day meals was not wearing hats, aprons, gloves and was not following the rules of cleanliness. Dutt reprimanded the school managers and said that henceforth, all rules should be strictly followed. He said that regular health check-up of those who cook and serve food is necessary and the place and process of cooking should be completely clean.

He also gave instructions to check the health of school children from time to time and discussed the quality of mid-day meal with the kids and also ate with them. The inspection also revealed that water quality (TDS level) was not good in many schools. Dutt instructed that the departments concerned should be contacted and clean drinking water provided to the children.

In addition to these, the complaint number of Punjab State Food Commission was not mentioned anywhere in many schools and Anganwadi centres. Dutt said that the complaint and helpline number — 9876764545 — should be clearly displayed in every school and Anganwadi centre, so that if a beneficiary has any complaint, he can call up directly.

Vijay Dutt said that negligence in schemes related to health and nutrition of children will not be tolerated.

Amritsar