Once again the mid-day meal provided in BMC-run city schools has become embroiled in a controversy. On Thursday, a grade VI student in Deonar Colony Hindi Vidyalaya found worms in his rice plate. School authorities were alerted by the staff after students complained to their teachers.
How many students were served food?
"The meal was served to almost 12 students of grade six before the incident was brought to the notice of teachers. School authorities sprung into action immediately and food was seized. Samples were sent to the civic-run laboratory at G-North for testing," said civic officials.
Who noticed the worms?
"The worm in the rice was noticed by students as well as the person serving it. The rice was served to 10-12 Hindi medium students of grade VI," the official said.
How did BMC react?
BMC authorities have decided to impose a fine of Rs5,000 on the organisation that served the meal. (In its November 18 edition, dna had reported in detail how city schools, including government-aided ones and BMC-run institutions, had been violating mid-day meal norms).
How many schools, students are there in the premises?
The Hindi Vidyalaya school premises house 10 different schools, and several organisations serve mid-day meal to the more than 3,000 students here.
Who are the culprits here?
According to the information available with BMC education committee chairman Vinod Shelar, Rachna Mahila Sanstha is the offending NGO in Thursday's incident. However, the administrative officer of the education department from M-East ward claimed that the NGO responsible for the incident was Baghyashree Mahila Sanstha of Deonar. Civic authorities blacklisted the said NGO on Thursday.
Officials told dna that this organisation had served mid-day meals to students of grade 1 to 7 in the morning and afternoon shifts in Hindi and Kannada schools here.
What does Shelar now claim?
Vinod Shelar, meanwhile claimed that the school staff had spotted the worm before the food was served. "The staff inspecting quality of food found three worms in it. Fortunately, the worms were found before the food (dal rice) was served. Given the seriousness of the incident, we have decided to take action against the NGO concerned. We are going to persuade BMC to black list the organization," Shelar said.
Did students have to starve on the day?
According to Shelar, after teachers realised that dal rice had worms in it and that kids would be left without mid-day meal, they decided on serving the nearly 1,200 kids rajgira laddoo.
Plan for centralised kitchens on anvil
Shelar also said BMC would try and persuade the state government to consider the plan of having centralised kitchens in three divisions – Island City, eastern and western suburbs – for providing food to children in civic schools.
How many organisations serve food in civic schools?
There are 226 organizations/groups which supply food to children under the mid-day meal scheme in civic schools. Of these, 147 are women's self-help groups, and 79 are private parties. ISKCON is also a food supplier.
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