Berhampur: Odisha MLA Manoranjan Dyan Samantara made a surprise visit to a school in Ganjam district and examined the preparation of midday meal (MDM) and effectiveness of the programme for students.
During his unannounced inspection, the legislator from Chikiti went around premises of Ramchandrapur Jagannath Government Upper Primary School to assess the quality of MDM food being served to the students.
Sources said the MLA interacted directly with students during their lunchtime and sought their opinion on the food being served. He himself took the prepared food to assess its quality and taste.
However, Dyan Samantara expressed unhappiness over the limited menu options, which included only rice and dal. He sought detailed information regarding the MDM from the teachers.
Underlining the need to maintain nutritional standards of food, the legislator urged the school authorities to improve the quality and variety of the meals being served to the children. He emphasized that the midday meal initiative’s core objective is to feed children and ensure their proper nourishment and support healthy development.
Sources said the MLA also found some discrepancies in the attendance records during his inspection. He is reported to have informed the Block Education Officer (BEO) about the irregularities and sought a thorough probe into the matter.
