Appreciates UT administration for best practices
By: Ibni Maqbool
Srinagar, Oct 10: The Centre has expressed concern over delay in release of funds by the authorities of Jammu & Kashmir to schools under the Mid-Day Meal (MDM) scheme and lethargic approach in setting up infrastructure approved under it.
Documents in possession of The Precious Kashmir reveal that the Union Ministry of Education has pointed out grey areas in implementation of the scheme in Jammu & Kashmir during the project approval board meeting held on June 16 this year.
According to the record note of the meeting, Joint Secretary (elementary education- I), RC Meena expressed concern over delay in the release of adhoc funds from UT MDM authority to schools.
The official also expressed concern over the fact that J&K has not released the minimum 10% UT’s mandatory share during 2020-21.
The expenditure for implementation of MDM is being borne in the ratio of 90:10 as central share and UT share. Pointing out inordinate delay in construction of infrastructure under the scheme, the official also stated that construction of 4697 units of kitchen-cum-Stores has not started.
The official also expressed dismay over non-procurement of 1,311 units of new kitchen devices sanctioned during 2014-15.
The official also pointed out that UT has not constituted a dedicated management structure / manpower in the UT administration for MDMS at UT/District/Block level.
According to minutes of the meeting, the official also said that a social audit has not been conducted and testing of food samples was not done during 2020-21.
At the same time , the JS (EE.I) appreciated the UT administration’s good practices/initiatives viz. disbursement of funds through e-transfer (PFMS) to school / block / district and payment of honorarium to cook-cum-helpers through e-transfer from district level to their bank accounts.
