The Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) has criticised the Arunachal Pradesh education department for its failure in successful implementation of the Mid-Day Meal (MDM) scheme in the state.
The Centre launched the MDM scheme in August 1995 with the primary objective of boosting universalisation of primary education by increasing enrolment, retention and attendance and simultaneously improving nutritional status of primary school children.
The CAG report, which was tabled in the state Assembly yesterday by Chief Minister Nabam Tuki, attributed inadequate financial management, short-lifting of food grain, delay in release of funds, inadequate infrastructural facilities and lack of monitoring as the reasons for failure of the scheme.
The CAG highlighted that no household surveys were conducted to identify the total number of children enrolled at the primary stage and no attempts were made to encourage high level of enrolment through publicity.
The report stated that in 2010-11, against the Centre's allocation of 6,687.66 MT of food grain for primary and upper primary levels, the department lifted only 5,928.37 MT and during 2013-14, against an allocation of 6,625.01 MT, only 6,598.95 MT was lifted leading to short-lifting of 785.35 MT of food grain.
"There was a shortfall in provision of 47,360 meals due to short receipt of food grain in 137 schools in the state," the report pointed out, adding, in six schools of West Kameng and Lohit district, 46.61 quintals (23 per cent) of the allotted rice was issued as dry ration, instead of cooked meals, violating directives of the Supreme Court.
