Govt stops midday meal in 5,000 venture schools in Assam

GUWAHATI: Midday meal has been stopped in around 5,000 elementary schools of the state that comes under “venture” category, after the state government decided to delink these bulk of schools from “government-aided” category.
Considering the service rendered by the venture schools and following inclusion of these in the UDISE (Unified District Information System for Education), the students of these schools had been receiving free textbooks and midday meals upto Class VIII.
However, allocation of rice for thousands of students of these schools has stopped since April 1, following an order to this effect by the office of the state nodal officer, PM POSHAN, Assam. Nevertheless, sources in the education department said these students will continue to get free textbooks.
“Consequent upon the decision of the government of Assam to remove the venture schools from the category of recognized/government-aided schools in UDISE, all districts are hereby directed to remove these venture schools from the eligible list of PM POSHAN and stop allotment of rice to these schools w.e.f. April, 2023,” read the order signed by Om Prakash, mission director, Samagra Shiksha and state nodal officer, PM POSHAN, Assam.
It added that as per PM POSHAN (Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman) guidelines, children studying in classes from Bal Vatika (just before Class-I) to Class VIII in government, government-aided and NCLP (National Child Labour Project) schools only are covered under PM POSHAN.
The venture schools were set up by locals of various places from time to time and later got recognition from the state government to impart education. However, the services of the teachers were not regularised in these schools and the local residents mostly took care of the school infrastructure needs.
Leader of the opposition Debabrata Saikia launched a scathing attack on the BJP-led government for allegedly depriving the school kids of food. He said everyday, at least 70,000 students will be deprived of meals.
Krishak Mukti Sangram Samiti general secretary Bidyut Saikia said the government move is an attack on school education.