Irregularities in mid-day meal: Instructions to form ‘Guardian Committee’ in schools

The government has taken a tough stance after allegations of irregularities, poor quality food supply and mismanagement in the mid-day meal program of government primary schools. State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Bobby Hajjaj has ordered the formation of a five-member ‘Guardian Committee’ involving mothers as part of strengthening school-based supervision to ensure safe and nutritious food for students.

He gave these instructions at an emergency meeting held with officials of the ministry and the department at the meeting room of the Directorate of Primary Education in Mirpur in the capital on Monday (May 18). This emergency meeting was organized after allegations of distribution of rotten banroti, rotten eggs and small and low-quality bananas in government primary schools in different areas were recently published in the media and the matter was taken seriously.

At the meeting, the State Minister said that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has given strict instructions not to tolerate any kind of irregularities, negligence or disrespect in the mid-day meal program. He also mentioned that ensuring safe, nutritious and quality food for students is the government's priority.

At that time, five-point instructions were given for the management of mid-day meals. It said that the approved packaging must be strictly followed and no changes can be made without prior approval. To ensure transparency in the supply system, the driver supplying the product and the person holding the national identity card must be the same and identity verification will be mandatory at the time of supply. No subcontracting or subcontracting can be given under any circumstances. The concerned institutions will have to submit an undertaking in this regard. In addition, the Assistant Upazila Education Officers and District Primary Education Officers have been instructed to conduct surprise inspections of the factories at least twice a month.

The guardian committee formed at the school level will have the head teacher, a member of the school managing committee and three guardians as members. This committee will be responsible for the quality, safety and overall supervision of the food of the students.

In addition, the State Minister ordered the formation of an investigation committee to investigate the allegations of irregularities and corruption in the mid-day meal program. He also said that if the investigation proves the truth of the allegations, strict action will be taken against those responsible as per the rules.

Secretary of the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education Md. Sakhawat Hossain, Director General of the Directorate of Primary Education Shahina Ferdousi and other concerned officials were present at the meeting.