Centre to eliminate role of NGOs in mid-day meal scheme in rural areas

NGOs in urban areas will be allowed to operate only in those places where the schools are not supported with the kitchen and cooking components

The Centre is expected to virtually eliminate the role of NGOs in preparing mid-day meal for children especially in rural areas, as per the new guidelines under the Food Security Act 2013.

The government is expected to communicate to the states soon about the rules framed and ensure that NGOs have little presence in the scheme because the schools in rural areas are adequately supported for kitchens and other cooking components, official sources said.

"Even in urban areas, NGOs would be allowed to operate only in those places where the schools are not supported with the kitchen and cooking components," said sources in the HRD ministry.

The development assumes significance in wake of the Mid-Day Meal Rules, 2015, notified last week under the Food Security Act 2013, giving statutory provisions for implementation of the programme and making food available in schools, a right of the children.

The notifications also seek to fix responsibility for non-supply of food for three consecutive school days or five days in a month.

Under the new rules, midday meals provided to students should be mandatorily tested by accredited labs each month for quality and nutrition. An allowance will also be provided by the government if food is not given.

The move for tests came against the backdrop of frequent complaints of sub-standard food being distributed under the mid-day meal programme that covers roughly 10.5 lakh students across the country.

It also seeks to improve efficiency in implementation by plugging loopholes, check irregularities and ensure quality of food served, the ministry officials said.

Hot cooked meal provided to children will be evaluated and certified by the government food research laboratory or any laboratory accredited or recognised by law so as to ensure that the meal meets with the nutritional standards and quality.

The Food and Drugs Administration department of the state will be engaged to collect samples to ensure the nutritive value and quality of the meals.