
Surprise Inspection of Government Schools and Anganwadi Centres
Kharar, 11th July: Shri Vijay Dutt, Member of the Punjab State Food Commission, conducted surprise inspections today in various government schools and Anganwadi centres in the Kharar area, including Naya Shehar Badala and village Badali. The inspection was aimed at reviewing the implementation of welfare schemes under the National Food Security Act (NFSA).
Kharar, 11th July: Shri Vijay Dutt, Member of the Punjab State Food Commission, conducted surprise inspections today in various government schools and Anganwadi centres in the Kharar area, including Naya Shehar Badala and village Badali. The inspection was aimed at reviewing the implementation of welfare schemes under the National Food Security Act (NFSA).
Several irregularities were found during the inspection, especially in the preparation and distribution of Mid-Day Meals. Cooking staff were not adhering to hygiene and dress code norms — head caps, aprons, and gloves were not being used, and cleanliness standards were being ignored. Shri Dutt took serious note of these lapses and issued immediate directions for strict compliance.
He instructed that all cooking and serving staff must wear proper uniforms, follow sanitation protocols, and undergo regular health check-ups to ensure safety and hygiene in food handling. He also emphasized the need to maintain proper food testing registers, and to serve nutritious and clean meals to the students.
Interacting with students, Shri Dutt also shared a meal with them to get direct feedback on food quality and taste. He stressed the importance of transparency and cleanliness throughout the mid-day meal process.
Another major concern raised was the poor quality of drinking water in several schools. TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) levels were found to be irregular. He directed concerned authorities to conduct periodic water quality testing and ensure clean drinking water is available to all children.
Furthermore, it was observed that Punjab State Food Commission’s Complaint and Helpline Number was not displayed in any of the inspected schools or Anganwadi centres. Shri Dutt issued firm instructions to display the helpline number 9876764545 prominently at every centre and school.
He stated that any beneficiary facing issues related to the National Food Security Act may register their grievance through this helpline number, and assured prompt action from the Commission.
Shri Vijay Dutt reiterated that no negligence will be tolerated in matters related to children’s health and nutrition. If violations are repeated, strict action will be taken against the responsible authorities.
