Mid-day meals: Feeling the bite of fund crunch, govt to turn to LSGs

Teachers' assn urge govt to divert funds of local bodies to meet additional expenses

- ASWIN ASOK KUMAR @T'Puram

DEARTH of government funds is proving to be a major hurdle in the implementation of the new mid-day meal menu in schools. At a meeting convened by General Education Minister V Sivankutty on Saturday, various teachers' associations raised the issue, impelling the department to suggest talks with local self-governments (LSGs) for additional resources.

"Currently, local self-governments are involved in providing breakfast in certain schools. We are looking to open discussions about their participation in the lunch programme as well," the minister's office said. A final decision will be taken only after two months, following discussions with representatives of various LSGs and the LSG minister.