Following the death of 23 children in the mid-day meal tragedy in Bihar, this correspondent paid a visit to a Government aided school — Mangala Devi Inter College — situated at EC Road to check the mid-day meal scenario in the school.
In general, the students said that the food was tasty and of good quality while the kitchen incharge assured that necessary measures were taken to ensure hygienic food. "I have been studying here for two years now and I find nothing wrong with the mid-day meals provided in the school," said Class VII student Madhu Kumari. Class III student Anjali said she likes the food served in school, stating that it is tastier than what she gets at home.
Incharge of the kitchen, Mahesh Anand Kukreti said the food materials used are of good quality and any product which is not packaged is not used for the meals. He further said, "These children are as special to me as my family members and taking good care of their health is our prior duty so we provide the best out of what is available with us".
Two cooks — Anita and Manju have been assigned to cook the food as well as keep a check at the cleanliness in the kitchen. The Government allocated Rs 7,000 for kitchen maintenance which was utilised to purchase a gas stove, utensils and for good storage boxes. Referring to the mid-day meal tragedy in Bihar, Kukreti said it was a sad incident which raises a question mark on the mid-day meal service.