Children from government schools across the country will also get mid-day meal during summer vacation this year. The Government of India has sanctioned Rs 957 crore for the same.
This was stated by Union HRD Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank at a video conference with education ministers of various states of the country on Tuesday. Education Minister Jagarnath Mahato, Education Secretary AP Singh attended the conference on behalf of Jharkhand.
Union Education Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank told the states that five per cent of the state’s approved budget for the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan will be given at present per month. The amount for April has been allocated to the states.
States should make sure that the book reaches the children. He said that book distribution should be ensured in accordance with the central government’s guidelines. Children from government schools can also be delivered to the house like mid-day meal. At the same time, children from private schools should also get the book.
The Union Education Minister briefed about the distribution of mid-day meal to school children during the lockdown period. While most of the states in the country said that MDM rice was not properly distributed in lockdown, it was reported that nearly 100 per cent of the children in Jharkhand have been given mid-day meal.
On behalf of the state, the Union Minister was informed that 31 lakh children have been given mid-day meal during lockdown in Jharkhand.
The Union Minister was also briefed on the loss of studies due to closure of the schools. Education Minister Jagarnath Mahato said the state is ready to open schools from June 15. Full day school will be run on Saturday to complete the course. In addition, the school operation period will also be extended by two hours.
Bihar: MLA defies lockdown to celebrate wife’s birthday, travels from Jamui to Patna without pass
