Govt ropes in CSIR for random tests
The human resource development ministry has engaged the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) to randomly test samples of food served under the midday meal scheme as part of the plan to check its quality, protein and calorie content.
The step comes days after the Bihar midday meal tragedy in which 23 children were killed. The measure is being implemented in Delhi and Andhra Pradesh as part of the first phase of the project and results of the first samples are awaited from the two states.
Official sources said that scientists from the CSIR would be involved in the exercise which will be undertaken across the country. The outcome of the reports from the tests would have a bearing on the funds released to the states, sources said.
“Schools would be randomly selected for sample collection. Apart from the kitchen where the food is cooked, samples would also be collected from the food which is finally served to the students,” they added. The latest development follows strong instructions from HRD ministry to the states to strictly adhere to the guidelines drawn up to ensure safety of the food served as part of the scheme.
The HRD ministry has directed that teachers and a member of the school management committee should be there to taste the food before it is served to the children. States have been asked to ensure that items used in preparing the food are of standard quality and packaged in sealed containers.
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