Ernakulam: The Union government has refuted Kerala’s allegations of delay in the central allocation for the mid-day meal scheme in schools, asserting that the state’s claims are baseless. During a hearing at the Kerala High Court, Deputy Solicitor General S. Manu, representing the Union Ministry of Education, stated that Kerala had failed to submit its application for central allocation for the current year, which resulted in a delay in disbursing the central allocation for July.
The central government clarified its stance in response to a petition filed by Left teacher’s organizations, including KPSTA, seeking intervention in addressing the mid-day meal scheme arrears. According to the central government’s statement, the state had not transferred the excess central share from the previous year and the proportional state share to the nodal account of the mid-day meal scheme. The Union Ministry pointed out these defects on August 8. However, Kerala only deposited funds into the nodal account of the scheme on September 13.
The Deputy Solicitor General informed the court that steps were taken to disburse the first installment of the central share, and the amount was transferred on September 22. He emphasized that, due to the failures of the state government, the allocation could not be made in the month of July. The Central Government made its position clear in the High Court, and the petitions have been adjourned until November 6.
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