PANJIM: Taking inspiration from Gujarat and in a bid to replicate its model, the Union Human Resource Development (HRD) Ministry is planning to introduce ‘tithi bhojan’ in its mid-day meal scheme across the country, including in Goa. The scheme envisages contribution from community members to the meal on occasions such as festivals.
The empowered mid-day meal committee headed by HRD Minister Smriti Irani will meet on October 29 and 30 to discuss and approve the introduction of the tithi bhojan scheme, where State government representatives have been invited.
A senior Education department official confirmed that the HRD Ministry was planning to introduce the concept at the national level.
“The basic idea is to provide delicious food and variations in the food items served to children. There is always a demand for changes in meals served under the scheme,” the official said adding that the meeting would be attended by officials from the State Education department and Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan.
Under the concept in Gujarat, villagers sponsor the food and sweets, for children on different occasions and also contribute in kind by providing utensils, etc. There is large scale public participation in the scheme.
Official also revealed that the HRD Ministry is exploring the possibility of involving religious institutions and trusts in serving the mid-day meals in their vicinity to ensure better community participation.
In Goa, the mid-day meal scheme has been marked by controversy in the wake of a number of food poisoning cases. The meal – pau bhaji and pulao have been served to the children through self help groups. Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar had announced that it would revive the scheme after Diwali by introducing milk and fruits as part of the meal.
