No funds for midday meal in Sept

The government had released funds till August 31,and for the past 23 days the teachers have been running the scheme — under which 22 lakh children are enrolled —on credit.

“We are yet to get our salary for August and September is over,” said a school teacher,adding that the government was now asking them to manage the midday meal.

“According to the policy,the amount for the midday meal must be released in the beginning of the month but in Punjab we get it two to three months later. We spend either from our own pockets or take the goods on credit from shopkeepers,” said another teacher. The grains are provided directly to schools,while vegetables,salt, pulses,oil,fuel,etc.,are purchased by the schools with a midday meal grant.

Sources said the state government diverts the midday meal funds for other purposes. “How long can we continue like this when we are deprived of two-months’ salary?” asked another teacher.

Principal Secretary,School Education,Anjali Bhawra could not be reached for comment. When contacted,midday meal general manager in the office of Director General School Education (DGSE) Parbhcharan Singh said the money would be released very soon.