After the death of 22 children in Bihar, the Haryana Education Department on Friday issued fresh directions for the smooth and effective implementation of mid-day meal scheme in the State.
Haryana Education Minister Geeta Bhukkal said that before lifting the foodgrains from the depots of Food Corporation of India (FCI), their quality and weight should be properly checked and the foodgrains kept in open should not be taken. The foodgrains should only be lifted from godowns of FCI.At the time of lifting of the grains, District Elementary Education Officer or Deputy District Education Officer or Block Education Officer should be present and the concerned officer would be responsible if any complaint is received regarding the quality of the grains.
She said that all the District Elementary Education Officers would ensure that a member of self-help groups would remain present at the time of receiving the foodgrains from Hafed."The members of the self-help groups would themselves be responsible if they deny lifting the foodgrains", she added. The Minister said that mid day meal should be prepared in hygienic conditions and stored in clean utensils. It should then be served to the students in a neat and clean manner and only sealed and good quality of cooking oil should be used.
The mid day meal should only be prepared in the kitchens and not in the open places or under the tree, she added.Bhukkal said that before and after serving the mid day meal to the children, their hands should be properly cleaned with soap and the meals should be prepared under the guidance of principals of the schools.
She also directed that all the District Elementary Education Officers, Block Education Officers and Block Elementary Education Officers should carry out the inspection of mid day meals in their concerned areas from time to time and should forward the report of the same to the Directorate of Elementary Education.
She said that the districts where mid day meals are being provided through International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), District Elementary Education Officers should direct the mid day meal incharges to check the food supplied by ISKCON and in case it is not properly cooked, ISKCON should be informed immediately.