(Derabassi), Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar November 7, 2024: Punjab State Food Commission, Member, Vijay Dutt, conducted a surprise inspection of various government schools and Anganwadi centers in Block Derabassi, District Sahibzada Ajit Singh, to evaluate the implementation of beneficial schemes under the National Food Security Act. The visit was aimed at ensuring transparency and accountability in the delivery of food and nutritional services.
     During the visit, Dutt inspected the Government Senior Secondary School, Government Primary School, Government Elementary School, and the Anganwadi Center in the village of Sitabgarh. It was observed that the Anganwadi center in Sitabgarh was under locked during working hours. Furthermore, many schools did not display the Commission’s grievance complaint number, which is a mandatory requirement.
      In response to these lapses, Dutt issued a notice to the District Grievance Redressal Officer, directing swift corrective actions. He emphasized that the Anganwadi center in Sitabgarh was found to be operated according to individual discretion rather than a set schedule, which is unacceptable. He warned that such negligence would not be tolerated and assured that strict action would be taken against those responsible.
      Member Dutt also addressed the schools' adherence to food safety and hygiene standards, instructing the schools to maintain a "mid-day meal food taste register" and ensure that clean food is provided to students. He personally interacted with the children, tasting the mid-day meal to check its quality.         Additionally, Dutt directed the concerned authorities to periodically check the Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) and quality of drinking water in the schools and conduct regular health checkups for students and mid-day meal workers.
      Moreover, Dutt emphasized the importance of installing the Punjab State Food Commission’s helpline number (9876764545) at all government schools and Anganwadi centers in the district. He assured that any beneficiary with complaints regarding the National Food Security Act schemes could register their concerns through this helpline.
     The Commission’s visit reflects its ongoing commitment to ensuring the effective delivery of food security programs and improving the welfare of students and beneficiaries in the region.