Irregularities detected in MDM scheme in Rohtas

Kumar Rajiv Nayan

Sasaram : Largescale irregularities in the Midday Meal (MDM) scheme has been detected in Rohtas district. The MDM scheme was launched for the Primary and Middle Schools students but it has become a source of earning for authorities concerned in several schools by showing excess attendance or admission of students in the schools.

The matter came to light after an inquiry report by Jeevika and a team from the state government. Fruits with meal is a dream for the school children. Interference of outside agency in the matter has started irritating the teachers of the schools and the officials of the education department alike. Action was taken against at least 84 Headmasters of Primary and Middle Schools for irregularities on the basis of report of Jeevika after which the Teachers Association opened a front against interference of outside agency.

The irregularities are committed by showing fake admission and excess attendance daily. Students from class I to class V somehow eat the MDM but class VI to class VIII students rarely take their MDM meal but they are also shown in the MDM attendance. Rohtas DM Animesh Kumar Parashar said that the Headmasters of the schools and the officials of the education department are responsible for supply MDM as per the menu and if any connivance is reported in this regard, stern action would be taken against the persons concerned.