TEAM HERALD
PANJIM: Goa is one among many states, which has to improve its supervision of the Midday Meals Scheme as the Union Ministry of Human Resources Development has observed that not enough is being done to ensure effective implementation of the MDMS in providing safe and quality supply of meals to students under the scheme, despite funds being provided by the Centre.
In the latest guidelines issued by the Ministry of Human Resources Development, Department of School Education and Literacy under the Mid Day Meal Division, all States including Goa have been directed to ensure proper monitoring of the scheme through dedicated structures.
A latest communiqué from the MHRD points out that only Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Odisha have such structures in place and despite providing funds other States and Union Territories have failed in their duties to provide safeguards.
The communiqué issued to all States, a copy of which has also reached the Goa government states that funds are provided for construction of kitchens, stores for food grains and other ingredients. However States have not complied with this requirement and are violating the scheme guidelines as grains and other items are stored at residences and homes. All States have been directed to expeditiously comply with this requirement. In addition, the MHRD impresses on all States to ensure that cooks and helpers are well trained and steps taken to ensure that the nutrient levels of the food cooked are maintained.
The latest guidelines state that grains should be procured from PSUs as done by Maharashtra, Punjab and Odisha. MHRD also adds that only double fortified salt be used for cooking the Midday Meals.
Likewise it emphasizes that a teacher at each respective school should taste the food cooked before it is served to students.
The MHRD also insists that States should widely publicise the Midday Meals and ensure that the objective of the scheme reaches out to the students.
Most importantly, the latest guidelines suggest setting up of an emergency medical plan where primary health centres, community health centres and district hospitals are linked to the implementation of the scheme.
While the scheme has to ensure safe supply of food to children, it makes sure than in case of an emergency, steps for medical back up are also to be provided.
The MHRD informs States that it has set up independent monitoring institutes to monitor the implementation of the scheme in all States and Joint Review Missions will visit all States and offer their recommendations. States are requested to take corrective measures on the recommendations and submit an action taken report.
Education department officials when contacted by Herald said, “Goa has received the MHRD guidelines and is working out mechanisms for implementing the Midday Meals as per the guidelines.”
