Just 6% Goa schools using IVRS for feedback on midday meals

PANAJI: The Union government's project approval board (PAB) for the midday meal scheme has found that in Goa, schools' reporting of supply and quality of meals using the automated monitoring system has been 'abysmally low'.
An integrated voice response system (IVRS) had been specially designed for the purpose, but only 6% of schools used it in 2022-23.
Only measly data fed in by system that monitors meals
The automated monitoring system has been put in place for real-time monitoring of PM Poshan. Data on the number of meals served on the particular day and reasons if meals are not served are being captured from schools with no cost to school headmasters/teachers. Out of 1,247 schools, on average, daily data has been reported by 75 schools, ie, only 6% schools, on the automated monitoring system,” the PAB noted during its review of implementation of the midday meal scheme in Goa.
In Goa, data is collected from schools using an IVRS developed by the Infotech Corporation of Goa. Through the IVRS, a call goes to a selected representative of the school every day at a pre-decided time. A pre-recorded voice asks for different details about the midday meal served on that particular day. A selected school teacher or headmaster provides data by pressing the appropriate number. This data is later submitted by education officials in the state on a Union government portal. “The PAB expressed deep concern over the abysmally low percentage of data reported... on the system, which is an important platform for monitoring the scheme. PAB advised the state to ensure reportage of 100% schools on all school working days.”
Goa was also found to have utilised only 75% of the allocated funds for monitoring and evaluation (MMA) of the meals served. “PAB expressed concern over low utilisation of MME funds and emphasised on the importance of monitoring and awareness generation for better implementation of the scheme, and advised the state to ensure full and optimal utilisation of the funds under MME,” the minutes of the meeting state. The state government also reported that testing of meals could not be undertaken during the year 2022-23. The Goa government was advised to conduct testing of the meal samples to check quality and nutritional contents, through NABL or FSSAI accredited laboratories. The state was also found not to have conducted training for cooks-cum-helpers engaged under the scheme.