No funds, Muktsar schools threaten to stop mid-day meal from Oct 10

Archit Watts

Tribune News Service

Muktsar, October 6

Government school heads in Muktsar have urged Education Department officials to release cooking cost for the mid-day meal being served to students from Class I-VIII or they would not be able to continue the practice from next week.

The school heads have reportedly not received the cooking cost for the past two months and as per rules, it has to be provided in advance.

The schools get wheat and rice from the government, but have to buy pulses, grocery, etc. on their own. The government has fixed cooking cost for this purpose at Rs 4.97 per student per day.

A government school teacher said: “We have given our representation to senior officers in the department, saying that if the cooking cost is not given by October 10, we will not be able to serve mid-day meal any further. We have already paid money from our pockets for August and September.”

He said the mid-day meal of a school cost around Rs 20,000-Rs 25,000 per month.

Sukhdarshan Singh Bedi, Deputy District Education Officer, Muktsar, said: “We have sought funds from the head office. The situation is same across the state. We are hopeful that the cooking cost will be released soon.”

Indus World School students splash to victory in swimming championship

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, October 6

Students of Indus World Senior Secondary School Rajgadh Estates near South City, Ludhiana annexed 16 medals, including seven gold medals in the 44th Junior Punjab State Swimming Championship held at Mohali from October 2 to 4.

Four students from the school namely Ojus Sund, Gunika Prabhakar, Divneet Kaur and Aradhya Prabhakar took part in this competition, organised by the Punjab Swimming Association and reaped a rich haul of medals to bring glory to their school and the parents.

Ojus Sund gave a good account of himself, clinching five gold medals. He came out triumphant in the 100m back stroke, 100m free style, 50m back stroke 50m free style and 50m butterfly events.

In fact, Ojus stamped his superiority by setting new meet records in all these events and was selected to take part in the Junior National Aquatic Championship to be held from October 19 to 24 at Bengaluru.

Another student from the school, Gunika Prabhakar proved her class by winning eight medals including one gold medal. She clinched gold medal in the 4x200m free style relay besides securing three silver medals in the 400m free style, 100m and 200m butterfly events.

Gunika also won bronze medals in the 800m free style, 4x100m free style relay, 50m butterfly and 4x100m medley relay events.

Divneet Kaur secured gold medal in the 4x200m free style relay in addition to a bronze medal in the 400m individual medley.

Aradhya Pranhakar, the youngest competitor in this championship made her presence felt by finishing at the victory podium. She participated in the 50m free style event, much to the delight of her coach and parents.

Principal, Neetu Dandi appreciated the students for their outstanding achievements. Advocating the role of sports and academics in the overall development of the youth, she congratulated their mentors and parents on this feat.

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