Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal today directed an inquiry into the allegations regarding midday meal provided in government schools of the State.
In the aftermath of giving responsibility to NGOs to provide midday meal in schools, a lot of allegations regarding its quality had been raised.
The Chief Minister directed Principal Secretary of Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department Biswaranjan Samal to conduct an inquiry into the allegations and submit a report within one month.
He also instructed for keeping earlier arrangements of providing midday meal by school authorities instead of NGOs till the inquiry is complete. The Chief Minister’s direction comes even as the education department sought reports from the DCs on the allegations.
“We have asked all the DCs to give a report within 24 hours on what is exactly happening. We are getting the reports today,” an official said.
The NGOs had taken over the system of supply of midday meals in elementary schools from November 1, but the government has continued the services of 1.17 lakh voluntary cook-cum-helpers.
As of now, the new system of supply of cooked food through NGOs has covered only 25 per cent of the total 56,000 elementary schools in the State. The schools covered are located within 25 km radius of the centralized kitchen.
