Withdrawal of LPG subsidy puts noon meal scheme in distress
Posted on: 17/Aug/2015 4:23:51 PM
The mid-day meal scheme was introduced in the year 1925. From then onwards many transformations took place in this scheme which benefitted children. Now the Central Government of India has stopped the subsidy for LPG cylinders for the mid-day meal scheme. This will lead to malnutrition among children, especially those in rural areas.
One of the food advisor has mentioned that if there is no subsidy for gas cylinders, schools and Anganwadi centres will have to pay from their limited funds. Further it has been mentioned that since the Government will not compensate this, the schools and Anganwadi centres will start using firewood, which would increase pollution.
At present, over 42,500 noon meal centres and 54,400 Anganwadi centres are covered by the Puratchi Thalavar M.G.R. Nutritious Meal Programme.
Sources in the Department of Social Welfare said they have not received any communication regarding the withdrawal of the subsidy.
Noon meal workers said that already many schools that had LPG connections were forced to use firewood for cooking as the subsidy was available only for the first few cylinders.
