Chief Minister Pramod Sawant deliberates with his cabinet colleagues Subhash Phal Dessai and Nilkanth Halarnkar in the Assembly. Captured by : Narayan Pissurlenkar
MAPUSA
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant assured the Goa Legislative Assembly on Monday that existing Self-Help Groups (SHGs) supplying midday meals to school students will continue their services, provided they maintain the quality of the meals.
Sawant also said that the government has signed an agreement with Bengaluru-based Akshaya Patra Foundation to supply midday meals to higher secondary students.
"The government will not displace the existing SHGs who are supplying midday meals to schools. But they have to provide quality food and follow all the specified guidelines while supplying the meals," Sawant stated.
The Chief Minister elaborated that Akshaya Patra Foundation will commence operations to supply meals to students of Classes 9, 10, 11, and 12. The foundation may also provide lunch during full-day school sessions.
Sawant’s comments came in response to a question from Bicholim MLA Chandrakant Shetye, who sought clarity on the status of the SHGs with the introduction of Akshaya Patra Foundation. Shetye highlighted that around 100 SHGs, run by women in the State, have been effectively supplying meals to students.
Shetye also mentioned his findings from a personal survey conducted in a school, which revealed that 50 per cent of students did not consume the midday meal. He questioned whether the government conducts surveys to understand why students might avoid the midday meal.
Sawant responded that, on average, 20 per cent of students do not partake in the midday meal, noting a higher consumption rate in rural areas (90 per cent) compared to urban areas. He emphasised that feedback from Parent Teachers' Associations (PTAs) and teachers is regularly collected and social surveys are conducted periodically.
Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao raised concerns over a disallowed Legislative Assembly Question (LAQ) seeking a copy of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with Akshaya Patra, hinting at possible transparency issues.
Alemao also pointed out discrepancies in statements from the education and health departments regarding the quality checks of midday meals. Contradicting Sawant's claims, Alemao noted that the PTAs were not consulted about the midday meals. Additionally, Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai highlighted the issue of pending bills for SHGs, suggesting an annual increment to offset inflation costs.
Sawant stated that the rates are increased annually to account for inflation and explained that payment delays are not solely the government’s fault, as SHGs often submit bills late. He assured efforts to clear bills on a quarterly basis.
