Balasore/Keonjhar, Oct 10: The mid-day-meal (MDM) programme launched by the Centre in 1995 with an aim of tackling malnutrition among schoolchildren besides boosting enrolment and curbing dropouts has benefitted lakhs of students in remote and inaccessible areas.
Now, the NDA government at the Centre has proposed to bring about a systematic change in the programme. The money being spent towards MDM will be henceforward given as allowance to schoolchildren. The state government has strongly opposed the move which has evoked sharp reaction from people of all walks of life from different parts of north Orissa.
There is unanimous agreement among people that the provision of giving monetary allowances instead serving meals will create a plethora of problems in primary education sector. However, a few people say it will stem the rot in the MDM programme.
Kumar Gopal, a resident of Balasore, asserted that the noon meal is okay and children are getting attracted towards school. “If they are given allowance, they will stay at their homes and will not attend school and the money may be misspent by their families,” he added.
Badal Patra, a teacher of Balasore, agreed with Gopal and said the change in the programme will increase dropout rate.
However, Abhaya Das, a social activist of Balasore, differed saying the allowance in MDM scheme is in proposal stage. “Food stuff of MDM is misappropriated while running the scheme has been cumbersome for teachers. Studies are hit by this non meal scheme,” he added.Akshaya Kumar Bhol, a resident of Bhadrak, observed that kids are being served substandard food and the allowance will be beneficial for them.
Malay Mohapatra, a lawyer of Darogadahi in Baripada, said, “The new proposal of the Centre is politically motivated. The MDM has helped reduce dropout rate in schools. The money will not solve the problem. School committees and guardians should strongly oppose it.”
Ahuti Mohanty, a student of Khunta in Mayurbhanj, dubbed the proposal as a bid to snatch away food from the hungry children. Money will not serve the purpose for which the scheme was launched. “Besides, money will be spent by families for other needs,” she added.
Niranjan Bohidar, president of Joda Bikash Parishad, Keonjhar, observed that money in place of meals will create serious trouble in the education sector. “It will stoke disturbance in families of daily wagers and poor tribals,” he said.
Mrudula Mohanty, principal of Joda Mahila Mahavidyalay, agreed with Bohidar. She said, “There is no guarantee for the money being utilised in proper manner and children being attracted towards schools. There are chances of money being misappropriated.” PNN
