Food panel member holds surprise checks at schools

Vijay Dutt, a member of the Punjab State Food Commission, conducted surprise inspections at government schools and Anganwadi centres in various villages of Phagwara block in Kapurthala district on Thursday.

The visit was aimed at checking the implementation of government schemes and ensuring compliance with established standards.

During the inspections at Government Primary Smart School and Anganwadi Centre in Wajidowal, Government Elementary School and Anganwadi Centre in Beed Puad, Government Middle School in Khalwara and Government Primary Smart School in Saprod, Dutt identified lapses, including the absence of complaint numbers at some facilities. He issued a notice to the District Grievance Redressal Officer, urging prompt action in the matter.

The State Food Commission member emphasised the importance of maintaining a mid-day meal food taste register and ensuring that children received nutritious and hygienically prepared meals.

He interacted with students regarding the mid-day meal programme and shared a meal with them, highlighting the commission’s commitment to ensuring high food quality.

He also said that the total dissolved solids and drinking water quality should be regularly monitored by relevant authorities.

Inspecting Anganwadi centres, Dutt urged the staff to disseminate information about the latest government schemes to as many beneficiaries as possible.

He reinforced the need for regular health check-up for students and medical assessments for mid-day meal workers.

Furthermore, Dutt announced the installation of the Punjab State Food Commission helpline number (9876764545) in all government schools and Anganwadi centres across the district.

The initiative allows beneficiaries to report complaints related to the National Food Security Act directly.

The commission remains dedicated to ensuring that all beneficiaries have access to quality food and services under government schemes, Dutt said.