Punjab State Food Commission member Vijay Dutt conducted a surprise inspection of various government schools and Anganwadi centres in the Rayya area of Amritsar district recently. During the inspection, he reviewed the ground-level implementation of schemes being run under the National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013.
During his visit, Dutt inspected mid-day meal arrangements, the quality of food being served to children, cleanliness, kitchen management, and the availability of safe drinking water. He directed the staff concerned to ensure that children were provided with clean, nutritious and quality food, and that all prescribed standards and guidelines were strictly followed.
He urged school and Anganwadi centre officials concerned to develop ‘kitchen gardens’ so that fresh and nutritious vegetables could be made available to children.
During the inspection, it was also observed that some schools did not have proper and updated information regarding the designated day for distribution of fruits to children during the week.
Dutt directed the authorities concerned to ensure that fruits and nutritious food were provided to children on time as per the prescribed menu and government guidelines.
He directed officials to ensure the quality of drinking water by conducting regular TDS testing and maintaining the food test register properly. Dutt interacted with the children and also shared a meal with them.
He said the commission was fully committed to ensuring safe, clean and nutritious food for children.
