Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on November 9th, 2019 has ordered a probe into the alleged irregularities in the supply of mid-day meals to the students.

Sonowal directed Biswaranjan Samal, Principal Secretary, Food Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs Department, Assam to conduct the probe and submit the report in next 30 days. The new scheme, however, will continue until the enquiry is completed.

The development came after over 40 students fell sick after consuming midday meal in Tinsukia. The mid-day meal was supplied by an NGO called Ghanashyam Seva Samiti.

Reports have surfaced that thousands of students across the state have refused to eat the midday meal served to them by NGOs, protesting against what they said was its poor quality. There were also allegations that midday meals didn’t reach designated schools on time.

On the other hand, the All Assam Primary and Upper Primary Mid-day Meal Cook and Helpers’ Association have threatened to challenge the engagement of 15 NGOs for preparing mid-day meals for primary schools in the state. The mid-day meal workers have been protesting against NGOs since November 1st, 2019 in Assam.

Photo: @rajibkarmakar