(a) there are many reports of irregularities by the school officers in various sectors regarding management of Mid Day Meal plan such as substandard milk, low quality and unhygienic food and whether the Government has taken sufficient steps to deal with this problem;
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(c) if not, the reasons therefor?
MINISTER OF EDUCATION
(SHRI DHARMENDRA PRADHAN)
(a) to (c) : A total of 24 complaints were received regarding irregularities and poor quality food severed under the Mid-Day Meal Schemes (MDMS) during the last two years and current year. It is stated that the overall responsibility for providing cooked and nutritious Mid Day Meal to the eligible children lies with State Governments and UTs Administrations. Accordingly, these cases were referred to the concerned State Governments and UT Administrations for taking necessary action. As per Action Taken Reports (ATRs) received from States and UTs, action such as issuing warning against the official responsible, terminating the contract of concerned NGOs / Organisations, initiating criminal proceedings and imposing penalties against the defaulting persons/officials/organisations have been taken by the concerned State Governments and UT Administrations. The details of action taken on these complaints are given at Annexure.