The Utkal Bharat launched a two-day mass dharna at the lower PMG here from Friday demanding abolition of the midday meal (MDM) programme in Government schools.
Addressing State and district-level leaders, Utkal Bharat president Kharabela Swain said the Central Government has introduced the MDM programme in schools to increase enrolment of children belonging to poor and underprivileged families. But now, the situation is different as almost every poor family is getting rice at Re 1 per kg and also included under the Food Security programme where they get 5 kg of rice and wheat. There is no such family who does not get to eat.”
Hence, what is the justification to cook and serve food in schools, questioned Swain.
“On the other hand, though the responsibility of cooking MDM food rests on different female SHGs and NGOs, the headmasters are made accountable if the students fall sick consuming the food. In some cases, the headmasters are suspended. Hence, management of MDM at schools has become a primary job of teachers, for which they are not able to focus on teaching children,” he added.
Currently, the Central Government has proposed to transfer cash in lieu of food to the accounts of the parents of students. But surprisingly, the State Government is demanding supply of rice and continuation of the MDM instead of directing for cash transfer, pointed out Swain. He demanded that as everyone has bank account, cash be credited to the beneficiaries’ accounts instead of providing MDM food.