Surprise checks reveal lapses in mid-day meals, ration quality across Hoshiarpur

Severe sanitation lapses, unsafe drinking water, uncooked mid-day meals and expired ration dominated the findings during a surprise inspection conducted today by Chetan Prakash Dhaliwal, Member, Punjab State Food Commission.

The sudden visit exposed multiple shortcomings in the implementation of the National Food Security Act, 2013 across schools, Anganwadi centres and ration depots in Hoshiarpur district.

Dhaliwal first inspected Government Elementary School, Ahirana Khurd, where the overall cleanliness was found to be very poor. The mid-day-meal kitchen was unhygienic, and the drinking water’s TDS level was checked on the spot. The condition of basic facilities raised questions about regular monitoring by the authorities.

At Government Elementary School, Purheera-2, the situation was even more concerning. Although a water filter was installed, it was non-functional. Wheat and rice meant for the mid-day meal were found infested with insects, and the rice served to children was half-cooked. Cooking vessels were also not cleaned properly. The TDS of drinking water supplied to students was recorded at a high 527, far above acceptable levels. Dhaliwal immediately directed the District Education Officer to fix these shortcomings and take action against negligent officials, asking for a detailed report to be submitted to the Commission.

Subsequently, Anganwadi centres were inspected. At Centres Code No. 2 and 3 of Ahirana Khurd, the member interacted with beneficiaries and reviewed services. He expressed satisfaction but also issued advisories for further improvement. However, serious irregularities were found at Anganwadi Centre Code No. 23, Ahirana Khurd, where the worker arrived at 10.30 am—well past the scheduled reporting time. Dhaliwal instructed the District Programme Officer to issue a show-cause notice and ensure corrective action.

A more alarming situation was discovered at Anganwadi Centre Code No 202, Purheera, where a large quantity of expired ration was stocked. Officials present at the site failed to give any satisfactory explanation. The member ordered immediate action and accountability from the concerned staff.

Later, the inspection team visited the ration depots at Kaempur and Block-2 Chauni Kalan (Camp). Here, unlike earlier findings, wheat distribution was observed to be well-managed.

Beneficiaries interviewed at the spot also expressed satisfaction. Dhaliwal instructed the District Food and Supplies Controller to install awareness banners at the depots and informed the public about the Commission’s helpline number 9876764545. He also reminded beneficiaries that complaints under NFSA schemes can be filed with the Additional Deputy Commissioner (Development). Concluding the visit, Dhaliwal thanked the officials present but emphasised that accountability and timely corrective action were essential to ensure food safety and dignity for all beneficiaries under the National Food Security Act.