The CEO of Mandya Zilla Panchayat told the officials that the place where cooking is done must be clean, the utensils used for cooking must be clean and clean water must be used for cooking. Children must be made aware of this, she added.
All Field Education Officers of Karnataka School Education Department, BRC and CRC functionaries and officers of all levels of Akshara Dasoha Division have been asked to visit at least one school once in 15 days, taste the food prepared under the Mid Day Meal programme, ensure its quality and also check the food materials and the place where they are stored. They were told to send photos of their visit and sightings via WhatsApp.
Mandya Zilla Panchayat CEO KR Nandini issued this directive to officials during a progress review meeting at her office in Mandya on November 25.
According to her, only high-quality eggs must be given to schoolchildren. Old and spoiled eggs should not be given away. According to Karnataka government guidelines, eggs must be distributed six days a week, she said.
With the use of leafy greens and other vegetables under the available grants, clean, tasty and nutritious food must be provided to the students, the CEO said.
She told officials that the place where cooking is done must be clean, the utensils used for cooking must be clean and clean water must be used for cooking. Children must be made aware of this, Ms. Nandini added.
Schools must be instructed to provide floor mats for students during lunch. Proper floor mats can be purchased under the school’s consolidated fund or other available grants as per rules, she advised.
She said the quality of food materials supplied to schools under the Mid Day Meal program must be checked and ensured at all levels. School principals must check the quality of food materials immediately upon receipt. If the quality is not good, steps should be taken to return them within four days, she said.
Lokesh G., Deputy Director of School Education, Education Officer Akshara Dasoha Ravikumar and all the field education staff of the district and Assistant Program Director Akshara Dasoha were present.
Published – 26 Nov 2025 17:03 IST
