PATHANAMTHITTA: Headmasters and PTA are concerned that the revised school lunch menu with biryani and fried rice will increase debt. The government share for the cost of the menu announced by the Education Minister ahead of the opening of the school has not been increased.
Midday meals were distributed without interruption in previous years because the head teachers and the PTA found the money somehow. The government allocation was allocated every three to four months. The government allocation is Rs 6.78 per child in primary classes and Rs 10.17 in UP and high school classes. Six rupees per egg and Rs 52 per litre of milk are provided on a weekly basis. In the general market, eggs cost eight rupees and milk costs 60 rupees. The minister's stance is that the project should be implemented with the participation of the PTA and the public. 60 percent of the midday meal amount is central allocation and 40 percent is state allocation.
Order not issued
The revised menu order for midday meal has not been issued even after a month of school opening. According to the revised menu, vegetable fried rice should be served with nutritious rice one day a week. Vegetable biryani, lemon rice, carrot, small grain payasam etc. are also on the list. Milk and eggs should be continued once a week
The government is trying to push primary school teachers back into debt by reforming the menu. The amount that was previously given as an advance is now being given only when the expenses are given in writing. This amount is received only after months.
-Biju Thomas,
Primary School H.M. Assoc. President