HRD min plans to work with FSSAI in improving midday meal quality

The HRD ministry is planning to work closely with Food and Safety Standard Authority of India in improving the quality of midday meal and its delivery mechanism.
The ministry today held comprehensive deliberations with education ministers of some states and probable members of the new monitoring committee, expected to be set up shortly, and decided to strengthen the distribution network for the proper implementation of the programme.
Bihar Education Minister P K Shahi did not arrive for the meeting despite his earlier promise to attend it.
The meeting came in the wake of Bihar midday meal tragedy which claimed 23 lives.

According to sources, NC Saxena, who is one of the probable members of the committee, said a proper and effective distribution mechanism is critical for the success of the scheme.
He said unless food grains are distributed on time and funds released periodically, the programme would fail to meet its objectives.

The meeting decided to rope in Food and Safety Standard Authority of India and "converge" various aspects of the implementation of the programme with the organisation.
The latest development follows instructions from HRD Ministry to the states to strictly adhere to the guidelines drawn up to ensure safety of the food served as part of the scheme.

Among the ministry directions is one calling for teachers and a member of the school management committee to taste the food before it is served to the children.