Rajasthan tightens Mid-Day Meal norms in government schools; strict action to follow for negligence

Bikaner: The Mid-Day Meal Commissionerate has stepped up scrutiny over the quality of food served under the PM Poshan (Mid-Day Meal) scheme in government schools. Every stage, from the storage of foodgrains to their actual use, will now be monitored closely. Should children be served spoiled, damp, mould-affected or near-expiry foodgrains, action will be taken against the officials and staff responsible.

PM Poshan Scheme Commissioner Vishwa Mohan Sharma has issued detailed guidelines to all district education officers and concerned authorities across Rajasthan in this regard.

The guidelines state that every school must maintain a foodgrain stock register with full transparency. Recording the date of receipt, date of use, remaining stock and expiry-related details will be mandatory. During inspections, arrangements will be assessed on the basis of these very records.

Inspections to increase, accountability to be fixed

District and block-level officers will carry out regular inspections under the new directives, closely examining stock registers, storage arrangements, foodgrain quality and the distribution system. Any irregularities found in records, poor storage or negligence in quality will result in accountability being fixed on the concerned officials and staff, followed by action.

Substandard foodgrains to be separated immediately

The Commissioner has made it clear that if any foodgrain shows signs of moisture, mould, foul smell, discolouration or other quality defects, its use must be stopped immediately, it must be kept aside separately, and the matter reported to the concerned authorities for necessary action. No compromise will be made with children's health at any level. Schools have been directed to adopt the FEFO (First Expiry, First Out) system for safe and scientific storage of foodgrains, ensuring that stock nearing expiry is used first so that no expired foodgrain is ever used.

Key directives

• Every school must maintain an updated foodgrain stock register
• Damp, mouldy, foul-smelling or poor-quality foodgrain must be separated immediately
• Strict adherence to the First Expiry, First Out system
• Safe, hygienic storage of foodgrains as per standards must be ensured
• District and block officers will conduct regular inspections
• Action will be taken against those found negligent in record-keeping or quality control