Ernakulam: The High Court will consider the petitions seeking the immediate distribution of outstanding dues due to the mid-day meal scheme today. left-teachers’ organisations, including the Kerala Pradesh School Teachers Association (KPSTA), have approached the court to address this matter.
During the previous court session, the High Court asked the government a significant question: Who should cover the cost if the mid-day meal scheme is set at more than Rs 8 per student? The government’s answer was that they haven’t received the necessary funds from the central government, which they considered the main reason for the arrears. The court strongly said that the state government couldn’t escape from its duty and warned that they had to pay the overdue amount, including interest.
Moreover, the court instructed the state government to halt the scheme if it determines that the central government is placing more financial burden. The court also said the state government has two options: either take charge of paying for the mid-day meal scheme or let the central government handle it and step back.
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