Punjab State Food Commission member Vijay Dutt conducted surprise inspections of various Government Schools and Anganwadi Centres at Miani Bakerpur and Dhaliwal Bet villages under Nadala block in Kapurthala district to ensure effective implementation of the National Food Security Act (NFSA) 2013 at the grassroots level.
During inspection, Dutt reviewed the mid-day meal arrangements, cleanliness, quality of food being served to children and the implementation of various government welfare schemes in schools and Anganwadi Centres. He instructed officials and staff concerned to ensure transparent and responsible implementation of the provisions under the NFSA so that nutritious and quality food reaches every child.
Dutt also encouraged the establishment of kitchen gardens in schools and Anganwadi Centres to provide fresh and nutritious vegetables to children. He directed the mid-day meal cooking staff to strictly follow all prescribed norms and guidelines. Special emphasis was laid on maintaining cleanliness and conducting regular total dissolved solids testing of drinking water to ensure safe and hygienic conditions.
During his visit, Dutt took up the issue related to LPG cylinders in schools and immediately spoke with Varinder Brar, GM, mid-day meal, Punjab, to ensure that there was no disruption in food preparation for children.
Dutt also interacted with students, listened to their concerns and shared a meal with them. He instructed the authorities concerned to maintain the food taste register regularly and emphasised on periodic health check-ups of both students and mid-day meal cooks.
He clearly warned that any negligence regarding the implementation of NFSA schemes and related welfare programmes would not be tolerated, and strict action would be taken against those found responsible.
Dutt stated that the Punjab State Food Commission was fully committed to providing safe, clean and nutritious food for children. He said such surprise inspections would continue in the future as well.
He further stated that if any person had any complaint or grievance regarding the NFSA or related schemes, he/she may register it on the Punjab State Food Commission Helpline Number 9876764545.