IMPHAL, July 22: State Education Minister Moirangthem Okendro today visited five government schools on a surprise visit to check the implementation of mid-day meal under the National Food Security Act.
The schools visited are Lamsang Praja High School, Budhimanjuri High School, Kebol High School, Sagolband Popular Primary School and the Bhairodan Maxwell Hindi High School.
He said that the recent mid-day meal food poisoning incidents at Bihar and other states could be a result of certain political parties to gain political mileage out of the issue.
The Minister was accompanied by media persons and ZEO of Imphal West and other officials.
During the inspection, the Minister expressed satisfaction over the distribution of the mid-day meal schemes in all the schools, however, the Minister had instructed the Lamsang Praja High School authorities for proper storage of the food items.
He had also instructed the Kebol High School to improve its infrastructures, while inviting the authorities of the schools to place any demands for the improvement of their respective schools to the education department.
He also lauded the Sagolband Popular Primary School for its smooth running and expressed that the school was found running at par with private schools and said he was impressed with the school.
The Minister also tasted the food provided at Lamsang Praja High School, Budhimanjuri High School, Kebol High School to check the food quality.
During a press meet held at his office chamber following the inspection tour, the Minister said today’s inspection was conducted as a preventive measure under the instruction of the state Chief Minister against any similar incident as the recent mid-day meal food poisoning incidents at Bihar and other states.
He continued that he will continue to inspect schools in all districts of the state and added that schools found with proper maintenance and distribution of mid-day meals will be awarded.
However, he will take action against any school found neglecting the distribution of mid-day meals in both the hills and valley districts.
He said that the state government has decided that the state will be responsible for the transportation of items for the implementation of mid-day meal to the schools and appealed to all to cooperate with the department in supplying hygienic food to the students under the mid-day meal scheme.
Meanwhile, the Minister also expressed that it would be better if the state BJP and CPI leaders instead of criticizing the government on its governance, start pointing out the mistakes of the government if there is any and provide positive criticism and help in proper governance of the state.
