Food panel flags lapses in govt schools, anganwadis, ration depot

The High Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) levels in school drinking water, uniform violations by cook-cum-helpers and missing complaint boxes at ration depots were among the key lapses flagged during a surprise inspection led by Punjab State Food Commission member Chetan Prakash Dhaliwal in Ludhiana.

The visit, aimed at reviewing schemes under the National Food Security Act (NFSA) 2013, revealed serious gaps in compliance across schools, Anganwadi centres and ration outlets—prompting immediate instructions to rectify shortcomings and strengthen oversight mechanisms. The inspection focused on the quality and effectiveness of food-related services in government institutions.

Dhaliwal inspected government primary and senior secondary schools in Ayali Khurd and Salempur, as well as Anganwadi centres in Gaushpur Garha and ration depots in Noorpur Bet and Gaushpur. At the schools, he evaluated the mid-day meal scheme and checked grain storage facilities along with the TDS levels in drinking water. While the meal arrangements were found satisfactory, TDS levels exceeded 250 ppm, prompting immediate directions to improve water quality.

Special attention was given to the drinking water being served in schools, where TDS levels were found to exceed 250 ppm. This raised concerns, as students are routinely consuming this water during school hours. Elevated TDS levels may lead to undesirable health effects, including gastrointestinal discomfort and long-term mineral imbalance.

Dhaliwal emphasised that providing clean drinking water is a basic responsibility, particularly where children’s health is involved and directed school authorities to take corrective action without delay.

The inspection also revealed that cook-cum-helpers were not wearing uniforms, a violation of government guidelines. Dhaliwal reprimanded officials present and underlined the need for strict adherence to norms going forward. At Anganwadi centres, he checked beneficiary records and verified the distribution of supplies, ensuring transparency in service delivery.

Ration depots at Noorpur Bet and Gaushpur had completed wheat distributions and their documentation was reviewed. However, the absence of complaint boxes and awareness banners linked to the Food Commission led Dhaliwal to instruct the District Food Supply Controller to ensure these were installed without delay.

During the visit, beneficiaries were informed about the Commission’s helpline (98767-64545) and email (punjabfoodcommission@gmail.com) for grievances related to NFSA schemes.