In a bid to curb irregularities in the mid-day meal scheme at government primary schools, the Punjab Education Department has issued strict directives to the District Education Office (Elementary) to enhance vigilance. The instructions, conveyed to school heads and district offices, emphasize the accurate distribution of meals aligned with actual student attendance.
Concerns Raised Over Fund Misuse
The move follows complaints received by the Ministry of Education, Department of School Education and Literacy, indicating that some schools were inflating student numbers in official records. These ‘dummy’ records allowed schools to claim more funding than necessary for meal provisions, creating discrepancies and raising concerns about fund misuse.
Government Action and Measures
In a letter dated October 30, 2024, the Department of School Education instructed all district education offices to ensure compliance and take action where needed. This directive aims to standardize the mid-day meal distribution process and maintain accountability across all government-run primary schools.
Kanwaljit Singh, DEO Elementary, confirmed the department’s consistent focus on monitoring the scheme. “Regular instructions have been given to oversee the distribution of mid-day meals. Block-level School Management Committees have been tasked with routine inspections to ensure that meals are prepared and served properly. So far, the scheme in Amritsar has been operating without significant issues,” he stated.
Enhanced Monitoring for Effective Implementation
The Education Department’s proactive measures seek to uphold the integrity of the mid-day meal scheme, ensuring that the allocated resources reach students effectively. Enhanced checks will help maintain transparency, prevent fraudulent reporting, and promote the well-being of students who rely on these meals for nutritional support.
Conclusion
The education department’s directive underscores its commitment to upholding the quality and reliability of the mid-day meal program in Punjab’s schools. Through diligent monitoring and accurate reporting, authorities aim to secure a fair distribution process that benefits students and supports educational outcomes.
