Government experimenting by reducing allocation for lunch from eight rupees per student to six at primary level; teachers struggling

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: While the school lunch scheme has been increased from the current Rs.8 to Rs.8.17 at the UP level, the government is experimenting by reducing it to Rs.6 per child at the primary level. Even after receiving eight rupees, primary teachers are struggling to afford the expenses. The amount was reduced to six rupees amid this. The story is even worse in schools with fewer students.

In a school of 150 students, at least ten students are absent a day. Then the amount will be reduced again by six rupees per child. Eggs and milk are provided according to attendance. Exact attendance can be known only by 9.30 am. Cooking should start at eight o'clock. The teachers are asking how to reduce the cost according to the decrease in attendance when this is the situation.

Teachers say that it will be a loss even if a separate amount is allocated for eggs and milk. Six rupees is not enough in Kerala where the price level is higher than the national average. In addition to purchasing the supplies, schools also have to bear the cost of delivering them. A commercial cooking gas cylinder costs Rs 1800. A school of 150 students will need at least two cylinders a month.

The demand of Kerala Pradesh School Teachers Association is that Rs 8.17 should be allocated to the primary school and material cost and supplementary nutritional amount should be paid in advance.

"In schools of up to 100 students, Rs.8 should be maintained and increased at the rate of Rs.5 per child for eggs and milk. Or else the primary teachers should be exempted from responsibility of the meal plan."

G. Sunilkumar

General Secretary

Kerala Private Primary Headmasters Union