Haryana Education Department Directs Immediate Replacement of Substandard School Food Supplies
In a significant development concerning student nutrition and safety, the Haryana school education department has issued a directive to the Haryana Agro Industries Corporation Limited (HAICL) to immediately replace all substandard and contaminated food items supplied to government schools under the PM POSHAN scheme. This action follows numerous complaints received from several districts across the state, highlighting grave concerns over the quality of dry rations being distributed.
Widespread Complaints Over Food Quality and Safety
Through a formal letter dated February 27, the education department raised serious alarms regarding the safety and quality of essential food supplies. District education officers from Ambala, Fatehabad, Hisar, Kaithal, and Yamunanagar reported that critical items such as jaggery (gur) and various pulses were found to be of poor quality. In several alarming instances, the supplies were discovered to be fungus-infested and entirely unfit for human consumption.
The issue gained substantial public attention after a video surfaced on social media platforms, allegedly showing substandard rajma being prepared for mid-day meals in school kitchens. This visual evidence amplified concerns among parents, educators, and officials alike.
Department Terms Issue "Grave" and Demands Urgent Action
Officials within the department stated that the complaints clearly point to significant lapses in quality control and proper storage protocols during both the procurement and distribution phases. Given that thousands of students across Haryana depend on the PM POSHAN scheme for their daily nutritional intake, the department has characterized the situation as "grave" and "serious," mandating immediate corrective measures.
The directorate has instructed HAICL to withdraw and replace all spoiled and low-grade rations with fresh, hygienic supplies without any delay. Furthermore, the corporation has been asked to submit a detailed status report. This report must explain the reasons behind the quality lapse and outline concrete steps to strengthen monitoring and quality checks throughout the entire supply chain. Officials have been explicitly directed to ensure that no compromised stock remains in any school kitchen.
Teachers Voice Health and Trust Concerns
Teachers working in the affected schools have expressed deep concern over the condition of the supplies they received. One teacher recounted, "We noticed clear discolouration and an unusual, off-putting smell when we opened the bags of rajma and gur. We immediately informed the authorities because we cannot take any risk with children's health."
Another educator emphasized the broader impact, noting that poor-quality meals not only jeopardize students' physical health but also erode their trust in the government-run nutrition system. The sentiment underscores the critical importance of reliable implementation.
State Government Reiterates Zero-Tolerance Policy
An education department official confirmed that the state government has reiterated its zero-tolerance policy for any negligence in the implementation of the mid-day meal programme. Ensuring the provision of safe, nutritious, and high-quality food for all students remains an unwavering priority. The directive to HAICL is seen as a firm step to uphold this commitment and restore confidence in the vital PM POSHAN scheme.
