Chandigarh, June 23: The Central Government has released an amount of Rs 26.57 crore to Punjab under the Pradhan Mantri Poshan Yojana (earlier Mid-Day Meal Scheme) for the financial year 2024-25. This grant has been given to 18,991 government schools located in 23 districts of the state for replacing old equipment being used in kitchens and purchasing new equipment.
According to the state government, mid-day meals are provided to about 15.24 lakh students every day in these schools. Schools that have to buy brand new equipment have been given a grant of Rs 24.90 lakh, and schools that have to replace old equipment have been given Rs 26.32 crore. A total amount of Rs 26.57 crore has been released, which is expected to bring about a major improvement in the condition of school kitchens.
This amount will be used to purchase or replace essential equipment like gas stoves, cylinders, large vessels, water drums, etc., in schools. This grant has been allotted to all the districts as on the number of schools and requirements. The Education Department has also issued instructions that the funds should be utilised on time and as per the prescribed norms. Apart from this, it will be mandatory to send a certified utilisation report to the head office after the expenditure.
According to data released by the Education Department, the amount released will be used to purchase new equipment in 214 schools in the state, while old equipment will be replaced in 18,777 schools.
A list is prepared on the basis of the survey, then the grant is released
Some time ago, the Punjab government had conducted a survey on the condition of kitchens in government schools in the state. During this survey, the number of utensils present in the kitchens, their condition and the current state of use were assessed. The survey revealed that the kitchen equipment in many schools has become very old and needs to be replaced. On this basis, a detailed list was prepared, after which funds have now been released to the concerned schools so that they can purchase or replace the required equipment.
Which district got what?
Schools in Faridkot, Fazilka, Fatehgarh Sahib, Ferozepur, Pathankot, Jalandhar, Kapurthala, Moga, Patiala, Ropar, S.A.S. Nagar, Tarn Taran and Malerkotla districts have received funds only for replacing old kitchen appliances. The remaining districts have been allowed to replace the appliances as well as purchase new appliances. Nawanshahr district has received the highest amount of Rs 11.35 lakh for the purchase of new appliances, while Sangrur district has received the lowest amount of Rs 10,000. Ludhiana district has become the biggest beneficiary in this scheme.
The Education Department believes that this assistance will further streamline the mid-day meal process in schools, so that students get timely, clean and quality food. In addition, usage certificates have been made mandatory to ensure transparency and accountability.