PANJIM: In a major relief to over 1.60 lakh students, the State government has granted its consent to hike the allocation of funds under the midday meal scheme, which would be made applicable from November 7, when the schools reopen for the second term. The benefit would be extended to 109 meal suppliers across the State.
The midday meal suppliers from five talukas — Mormugao, Ponda, Salcete, Tiswadi and Pernem — had threatened to stop the supply of cooked food to students if the government fails to hike the rates and clear pending dues before classes resume.
The average unit cost per child per day is Rs 6.11 for pre-primary and primary students while it’s Rs 7.45 for upper primary.
Speaking to Herald, Director of Education Shailesh Zingade said the government has granted consent to increase the fund allocation from Rs 6.11 to Rs 8 per child in pre-primary and primary category while Rs 10 per child is proposed for upper primary schools. “The new rates will be applicable from November 7,” he said.
Zingade said that the department will ensure that there is no compromise on quality of food at any cost.
When asked about the pending bills, Zingade said as on date eight bills are cleared while 20 are pending for scrutiny.
“Unless the self-help groups or supplier sign agreement with the department, we cannot clear the bills as per rule,” he said.
Of the total 109 suppliers, only 70 per cent have so far signed the agreement as mandated under the scheme.
Following media reports, the Goa State Commission for Protection of Child Rights had issued notice to the Directorate of Education (DoE) directing it to come out with an “early solution” to the midday meal crisis.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant had said that the government has decided to hike the allocation of funds for the scheme on condition that there should be no compromise on quality of food supply to students.
