Report shows discrepancies in noon meal employment
Posted on: 08/Aug/2016 3:35:53 PM
The fifth Joint Review Mission report on the mid day meal scheme has said that there are still nearly 10,000 vacancies across Tamil Nadu. This is despite the recruitment process set in motion by the Social Welfare and Nutritious Meal Programme Department. The Report was conducted by the Ministry of Human Resource Development and Department of School Education and Literacy.
According to an official at the Department, The process has been going on, but was delayed due to elections. The vacancies will be filled in soon. Of the total number of vacancies, there are 439 posts in Chennai, which includes all the three categories: organisers, cooks and cooking assistants, against the sanctioned strength of 1,780.
The report says, 713 noon meal employees’ posts in Tuticorin district were lying vacant, while the sanctioned number was 4,466. Firewood was usually used for cooking in most schools as only a few had LPG connections. The Ministry had mentioned that the expense of nine subsidised LPG cylinders would have to be borne by the State government from the funds allocated for cooking costs.
A noon meal organizer in Dharmapuri district says, There are still many schools that need LPG connections. Regularisation of employment and timescale pay were the issues troubling most employees. It’s been 34 years since I joined as an organiser here, and I have not been promoted since. I draw a salary of Rs. 3,000 a month which is not sufficient. This is the case with most employees. It is difficult for us. Several employees have become indifferent to providing quality food to children. Insufficient pay and a heavy workload are the main reasons. We will submit a petition in this regard to the authorities before the Assembly session begins.
