Shillong, April 12: The Hynniewtrep Youth Council (HYC) has demanded investigation into alleged irregularities in the implementation of the Mid-Day Meal Scheme in government schools across the state.
In a letter submitted to the chief minister Conrad K Sangma on Friday, HYC education secretary Enlang Sawian said, “…I earnestly request you, as the head of the state government to establish a dedicated investigative committee to examine the realities surrounding the food distribution under this scheme, involving school managing committee and other relevant departments.”
“Additionally, it is crucial to hold accountable those individuals who have misused their authority, ensuring that the Mid-Day Meal scheme is effectively administered so that students can receive the nutritious meals they are entitled to,” he added.
The demand was based on Right to Information (RTI) findings on the PM (Poshan) scheme, which revealed that the implementation of the Mid-Day Meal Scheme in these schools is significantly inadequate.
Quoting the findings, Sawian said there are alarming discrepancies in the distribution of meals by the managing committees and school authorities.
“The RTI findings indicate that the meals, which are supposed to be provided daily for lower primary students, are not consistently delivered as mandated by the scheme’s guidelines,” he said adding “Reports from students, particularly in rural areas, reveal that many schools provide the Mid Day Meal only twice a month, with some receiving it just once a year. Furthermore, there are instances where schools fail to distribute meals altogether, citing logistical issues in receiving food supplies.”
Additionally, the RTI response from PM Poshan highlight that the menu prepared by NESFAS has not been adequately followed, leading to a lack of nutritional variety and quality in the meals provided.
“The current mismanagement and lack of transparency in executing this scheme have significantly hindered the rights of children who are entitled to benefit it. Moreover, this situation not only undermines the objectives of the Mid Day Meal Scheme but also adversely affects the health and educational outcomes of the students who rely on these meals for their daily sustenance,” the HYC leader said.
“It is imperative that immediate corrective measures be taken to ensure that the scheme is implemented effectively, thereby fulfilling its intended purpose of providing nutritious meals to children in need,” he added further.
