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PANAJI
They have also demanded that the contract of SHGs sub-letting the contact should be terminated.
However, SHGs have also reiterated their demand to increase the rates per mid-day meal on par with the rate asked by Akshay Patra Foundation proposal. Additionally, they have requested the government to clear their bills on monthly basis and not keep it pending for six months.
SHGs held a meeting on Sunday evening at Porvorim to discuss various issues affecting them.
Speaking to media persons after the meeting, a SHG in-charge Kanti Khutwalkar said, "When we sought the proposal from the Education Dept, we learnt that Akshay Patra has asked for a higher rate per meal. And we are also ready to provide the same menu as they have proposed."
She also stated that the Government should provide the necessary training if it wants the mid-day meals to be provided in a particular manner.
"Today we discussed in the meeting that the government should provide us training, but the contract should not be taken away from us. These women are dependent on the supply of meals", she said.
Stating that they are being alleged to have given sub-contracts to supply mid-day meals, she said, "We have always told the Education Director to terminate the contract of SHG indulging in any sub-contracts and give the same to another SHG. It cannot be generalised that we are giving sub-contracts."
"It is a good move by Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar to give grading system to SHGs. It is a good move as it will automatically terminate the contract of the SHG who gets ‘c' grade", she said.
Questioning why the government is giving SHGs step-motherly treatment to SHGs, she asked, "If Akshay Patra is given the contract, government will have to provide finances to set up the kitchens which is in crores. We already have kitchens set up. We have not been given any subsidy till date. We have to bear the cost of cooking and transportation."
DEALS & MEALS: what sHgs want
Govt should provide necessary training if it wants mid-day meals to be provided in a particular manner
Govt must clear bills on monthly basis
Contract of any SHG involved in sub-letting should be terminated
Reiterate demand to increase rate per mid-day meal
In no circumstances contract be terminated
Good move to introduce grading system for SHGs
