No clarity on fund allocation; Kerala's revised mid-day meal scheme facing hurdles

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: While schools are supposed to serve lunch according to a revised menu, including fried rice, from August 1, head teachers are still concerned over the lack of clarity about the funds. Since the revised menu will increase the financial burden, the Department of Public Education decided to seek help from local bodies. However, a decision has not been made on this.

If local bodies want to allocate funds, they should include them in the plan before the budget. This is not practical since it has been three months since the start of the new financial year. Financially sound institutions can allocate the amount from their funds. However, most local bodies cannot do this. Since it is a fund that needs to be set aside permanently, local bodies may not include it in the plan without a government directive.

In states including Tamil Nadu, food is being cooked through community kitchens and delivered to schools. But this will not be possible for Rs 6.78. If sufficient funds are found, the project can also be implemented through Kudumbasree. The teachers are also demanding that staff be appointed at the rate of two cooks for every 150 children.

It has been three years since the last state-level meeting of the School Midday Meals Committee for the management of school lunches! The committee, headed by the Director of General Education, includes officials and representatives of two teachers' unions. Teachers used to present issues, including the funding crisis, to this committee.