Food panel member inspects schools, anganwadi centres

Punjab State Food Commission Member Vijay Dutt conducted a surprise visit to government schools and anganwadi centres in villages of Majri block on Wednesday. The visit was aimed at evaluating the implementation of key welfare schemes and to ensure the well-being of children.

During the inspection, Dutt noted the absence of the commission’s complaint number — that had to be mandatorily displayed — at several schools and anganwadi centres. He issued a notice to the District Grievance Redressal Officer, emphasising the need for prompt corrective measures.

Concerns were raised regarding wild growth near the anganwadi centre at Kartarpur village, posing a potential risks to small children. Despite earlier requests by anganwadi helper Rajwinder Kaur to authorities concerned, no action had been taken to address the issue. The commission member mandated that the District Grievance Redressal Officer should take necessary steps to rectify the situation.

The State Food Commission member also visited multiple institutions, including the Government Primary Smart School in Kartarpur, Government Middle School and various anganwadi centres in Kansala, Boothgarh and Manakpur Sharif.

He emphasised the need for maintaining a mid-day meal food taste register, ensuring cleanliness during food preparation and while serving it, besides regularly checking water for total dissolved solids (TDS) and quality.

Interacting with students, Dutt discussed the mid-day meal menu with them and also shared meal with them. He directed health check-up of students and medical assessments for mid-day meal workers to promote overall health.

Additionally, Dutt urged anganwadi in-charge and helpers to actively disseminate information about the ongoing government schemes to maximise beneficiary outreach.

To facilitate communication, Dutt instructed that the helpline number of the Punjab State Food Commission; (9876764545) should be displayed prominently in all government schools and anganwadi centres, enabling beneficiaries to register complaints related to the National Food Security Act.