Principal faces heat over mid-day meal mismanagement

Tightening the noose around government schools failing to maintain hygiene standards, the Director of Public Instructions (Schools) has issued a notice to the principal of Government Primary School, Ayali Kalan (Ludhiana-II block), over alleged mismanagement of the midday meal scheme.

The action follows a written complaint submitted by District Education Officer (Elementary), Ravinder Kaur, after a surprise inspection of the school on Monday. During the visit, Kaur reportedly found serious lapses in both hygiene and food quality.

“The mid-day meal being served to nearly 500 students was being prepared in highly unhygienic conditions. The ‘dal’ resembled watery soup, the cooking environment was filthy, and the school had failed to follow the menu prescribed by the department,” said Kaur.

Beyond poor hygiene, the inspection also uncovered suspected financial irregularities. The school had reportedly withdrawn salaries for four mid-day meal workers, despite only three being employed.

“No proper attention was being paid to cleanliness and sanitation either,” the DEO added.

Following these findings, a formal complaint was submitted to higher authorities, leading the DPI (Schools) to demand a detailed explanation from the school principal.