Punjab State Food Commission member Chetan Prakash Dhaliwal conducted a surprise inspection of various welfare schemes being implemented under the National Food Security Act, 2013 in Hoshiarpur.
During the visit, Dhaliwal reviewed the functioning of mid-day meal schemes, food grain storage facilities and Anganwadi centres across different parts of the district. The inspection began at Arya Girls School, Elementary School Committee Ghar Mukerian and Middle School Kolian, where the mid-day meal arrangements and grain storage rooms were checked. The arrangements in these schools were found satisfactory.
However, during inspections at elementary schools Khichchian, Kolian and Harse Mansar, certain deficiencies were noticed in the mid-day meal system. Expressing displeasure over the lapses, Dhaliwal reprimanded the officials present on the spot and directed them to ensure strict compliance in future. He warned that negligence in implementing the scheme would invite stringent action.
The Food Commission member also visited Anganwadi centres at Mukerian, Khichchian, Bhattian Rajputan, Kolian and Harse Mansar. During the visits, records maintained at the centres were examined and beneficiaries were interacted with to gather feedback regarding the implementation of welfare schemes.
Later, a review meeting was held with BPOs, CDPOs, AFSOs and other concerned officials to assess the progress of various schemes under the Act. Dhaliwal directed officials to ensure regular medical screening of cook-cum-helpers for tuberculosis and skin diseases. He further instructed that at least two schools in every block should be inspected every week by officers themselves to ensure quality and transparency in the implementation of the mid-day meal scheme.
Another surprise inspection in Nawanshahr
Vijay Dutt, Member of the Punjab State Food Commission, today conducted surprise inspections of primary schools and Anganwadi centres in village Kishanpur, village Bachhua and village Bharthala under Block Balachaur in District SBS Nagar. During the visit, he reviewed the ground-level implementation of schemes being run under the National Food Security Act (NFSA) 2013.
During the inspection, Vijay Dutt examined the mid-day meal arrangements, quality of food being served to children, cleanliness and drinking water facilities. He directed the concerned officials and staff to ensure that children are provided with clean, nutritious and quality meals while strictly following all prescribed norms and guidelines. He encouraged the development of “Kitchen Gardens” in schools and Anganwadi centres so that fresh and nutritious vegetables can be made available to children. He also instructed the mid-day meal cook staff to maintain proper hygiene and strictly follow all health and safety standards while preparing meals.
Vijay Dutt directed the officials to ensure regular TDS testing of drinking water and to properly maintain the food taste register. He also emphasised the importance of regular health check-ups of both students and mid-day meal cooks. During the visit, he interacted with the children and also shared a meal with them.
He stated that the Punjab State Food Commission is fully committed to ensuring safe, hygienic and nutritious food for children. He clearly warned that any negligence regarding the implementation of the National Food Security Act (NFSA) 2013 and related welfare schemes would not be tolerated and strict action would be taken against those found responsible.
He further stated that if any person has any complaint or grievance regarding NFSA 2013 or related schemes, they may register their complaint on the Punjab State Food Commission Helpline Number: 9876764545.
