Probe sought into misuse of funds in rice supply to govt schools

Suspecting a large scale misappropriation in supplying rice to government schools under mid-day meal scheme, the Zilla Panchayat members on Thursday demanded the government to conduct a state-level inquiry into the issue.

The issue was raised at the general body meeting, in the wake of the reported less quantity of rice supplied to a government school in Puttur. Raising the issue, Zilla Panchayat  Member M S Mohammad said that each of the three rice sacks supplied to the school in Krishna Nagar in Puttur, weighed 2.5 kg less than the actual quantity. Though it has been reported from one school, chances of a large scale misappropriation can not be ignored. The matter should be probed and defaulters should be brought to light, he demanded.

Denying the probability of misappropriation, Akshara Dasoha Deputy Director Manjula said Akshara Dasoha taluk assistant director had visited the school and according to his report, of the 12 sacks of rice that were supplied to the school, only one sack had 2.5 kg less rice than the actual quantity. “Following the incident, we have given a clear direction to all school head teachers to compulsorily weigh the rice and cereal sacks at the time of supply,” she said.

Inquiry ordered

Responding to the issue, Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officer K N Vijayaprakash said that he has ordered the deputy director of public instructions to conduct an inquiry into the matter and also carry out random surprise visits to schools to inspect the quantity and quality of food grains.

The suppliers will be directly held responsible if the cases of supplying less quantity of food grains is reported, the Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officer clarified.

Poor quality food grains

Zilla Panchayat Member Mamatha Gatty brought the issue of poor quality food grains used for cooking under mid-day meal scheme.

Mentioning one such incident where the children complained of poor quality rice supplied at Karaje school in Bantwal taluk, Mamatha Gatty demanded the authorities to ensure that only good quality food is provided to children.