Mid-day meals: Food Commission member Vijay Dutt inspects govt schools in Tarn Taran district

Vijay Dutt, member of the Punjab State Food Commission, conducted surprise inspections today at various government schools, anganwadi centres and government ration depots in the district to check the on-ground implementation and quality of nutrition and food security schemes under the National Food Security Act (NFSA).

During the inspection, Shri Dutt laid special emphasis on developing kitchen gardens in government schools. He stated that kitchen gardens are an effective tool to educate children about nutritious food, green vegetables, and the importance of a balanced diet. He directed that schools where kitchen gardens have not yet been established must immediately identify suitable space and develop them without delay.

He thoroughly inspected school kitchens, food storage conditions, sanitation facilities, and the quality of the mid-day meal. He also instructed that regular health check-ups of Mid-Day Meal workers must be ensured. Interacting with students, he personally reviewed their feedback on the Mid-Day Meal and also joined them for lunch. He further directed that the quality of drinking water in schools should be tested periodically by the concerned department to ensure a continuous supply of safe and clean drinking water to children.

Dutt also carried out surprise inspections at schools, Anganwadi centres, and ration depots in the border areas of Gandiwind and Sarai Amanat Khan. At the ration depots, he interacted with beneficiaries, listened to their concerns, and issued necessary instructions to the officials.

He instructed that all schools, Anganwadi centres, and ration depots must prominently display the Punjab State Food Commission’s complaint and helpline number: 9876764545, so that beneficiaries can easily register complaints whenever required.