State schools are facing a severe crisis in providing midday meals to the students during this academic year also. Several school Head Masters have reported a concerning issue over the past year regarding the insufficient funds allocated by the state government. As a result, these headmasters have been compelled to personally bear the financial burden themselves.
Therefore, this academic year in an attempt to address the issue, Head Masters have approached the court seeking an increase in the allocated amount for the midday meal program. However, despite their efforts, the situation remains unchanged.
The rising prices of commodities, particularly vegetables, have put additional pressure on school Head Masters, who are now forced to cover the costs of the government scheme from their own pockets. Despite petitions submitted to the Education Minister and the Chief Minister by the teachers, no changes have been observed.
Currently, the court is considering the petition filed by the Head Masters, with a potential hearing scheduled for this week. In the meantime, teachers’ associations are demanding an increase in the project allowance to ensure the continued distribution of midday meals, as several schools are facing financial crises.
The government, still adhering to 2016 rates, provides only Rs 8 per child per day for schools catering to 150 students. Teachers association says that it is difficult to provide meals within the budget fixed six years ago.
This amount is expected to cover expenses such as 300ml of milk and one egg per child per week, as well as the purchase of vegetables, spices, and cooking gas. However, the prices of these products have significantly increased since 2016. As a result, Head Masters are compelled to prioritize managing midday meals over their daily academic duties, emphasized the teachers’ association official.
Due to the financial crisis, some schools have regrettably been forced to halt the distribution of eggs and milk to the students. The situation remains precarious as schools struggle to maintain this essential midday meal scheme for their students.
At presently, due to financial crisis, some schools have stopped the distribution of eggs and milk.
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