BJP leader ‘inspects’ schools,invites criticism

“Non-graded cooking oil stored in kerosene container,moistened and beetled wheat flour,spices and salt stored openly and drinking water tank full of worms” were among the irregularities noted by Chugh.

“I am in favour of inspections. But inspections should be carried out by someone who is authorised by the government. Chugh is neither a minister,nor an MLA nor he is an official of the education department. In what capacity was he conducting the inspections?” said Punjab Congress working president for Majha region,O P Soni.

However,Education Minister Sikander Singh Maluka,in Chugh’s defence,said: “Legally,Chugh has no authority to inspect the school,but if there is something wrong happening in the school and he brings that to our notice,I think it is good.”

Chugh,in a statement,said he will send his report to Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal,his deputy Sukhbir Singh Badal,Maluka and Punjab BJP president Kamal Sharma. “I went with the parents of the students and school presidents. This is my right as a citizen,” Chugh said in his defence.

When contacted,Amritsar DC Rajat Aggarwal said: “Ideally,people who are related to the department can hold inspections. Let me examine the case. I will get it looked into.”

Meanwhile,during an inspection,Amritsar District Schools Health Officer Dr Jasmine Nanda on Thursday found insects in the flour used for midday meal scheme in Karampura and Faizabad schools. In schools at Dharam Nagar and Kangar Colony,Nanda found meal material kept alongside construction materials.