Kohima, May 1 (MExN): It has been found that the Mid Day Meal (MDM) scheme is not being applied properly in Nagaland.
In a response to an RTI by ST Yapang Lkr in March 2016, the Director/First Appellate Authority for the Directorate of School Education, Government of Nagaland stated that “Every school going child in the primary sector on every school working day is to be provided with MDM. The guideline for the scheme is to provide hot cooked meal 450 calories and 12g of protein to every child at Primary level and 700 calories and 20g of protein to Upper Primary level.”
However, in a letter to the authorities, ST Yapang Lkr stated that “no school in Mokokchung district has been found practicing the MDM guidelines provided by the Government.” He has asked for the authorities to furnish details if there are any schools that follow the guidelines.
The RTI had also enquired the quantity of rice and the number of days for which the MDM was provided in the years 2011-2012 to 2014-15. However, it was found that Sub Divisional Education Officers under Mokokchung district could not answer the question. ST Yapang Lkr maintained that if the Department is unable to furnish details of the same within 10 days, a second appeal will be filed.
Stating that there is proof that the rice quantity for MDM in Mokokchung district is “of poor quantity,” he asked the Department if this is because “some people who are in-charge of the supply switched the rice quantity in between? Or is it the culprit of the supplier?”
Lkr noted that it would be beneficial for the people and society as a whole if schools could discuss the matter with the public “if the goodies provided for MDM is not sufficient or if the supplies for each student are not provided according to the guidelines of the State Government.”
“You should accept that this has been questioned because of your misconducts. The MDM is sanctioned, but the children go hungry, therefore we would like to know whether it is the fault of the government or there is something else,” stated the note.
ST Yanger Lkr also questioned if this practice is because the Centre provides less or is it the Nagaland State Government that supplies less? Or is it that the teachers are taking it?
In order to investigate these kind of practices, it was informed that the ‘RTI Nagaland’ Facebook group has assigned “some important and trustworthy people” to find answers.
