The Opposition Congress members on Tuesday attempted to corner School Education Minister Kedar Kashyap over an issue of alleged corruption in Mid-day meal programme operational in schools under Konta block of Bastar division.
Raising the issue during question hour, Congress member Kawasi lakhma sought information about number of primary schools operational in Konta block and Mid-day meal programme being run in these schools.
Responding to the question, School Education Minister Kedar Kashyap informed that as many as 298 primary schools are functioning in the region and Mid-day meal scheme is being operated by self-help groups (SHGs) and village panchayats.
Subsequently, lakhma alleged that the facts about operation of the scheme only exists on paper and funds provided in this connection were allegedly misused.
Since, the schools are not functioning in the region, teachers and students did not register their presence in classes, said the Congress member while questioning that for whom the Mid-day meal programme is being run in the region and by whom.
Citing names of few panchayats including Chilger, Burumlakha, Pareselma and others, lakhma sought information about buildings where schools are being operated.
Of the 298 schools, 101 schools did not have their own building and are presently functioning in private or government buildings, replied Kashyap.
Registering dissatisfaction with the Minister’s reply, lakhma said school buildings did not exist in the region and teachers as well as students did not go to school. Due to Naxal problem, schools are not functioning in the region.
He further alleged that Block Education Office and Block Resources Centers are operating in these schools only on paper.
Meanwhile, Congress member Bhupesh Baghel demanded enquiry in this connection by terming the issue as very serious.
Following the demands of Congress members, the Minister suggested of forming three-member committee comprising of legislators from Bastar region headed by Konta MlA Kawasi lakhma to investigate the issue.
On this, Baghel alleged that the Minister has challenged members of the Opposition. The Opposition is ready to accept the challenge and investigate the matter, said Baghel while suggesting the Minister to constitute the team as early as possible.