SAS Nagar Mohali, 11 March:-  Member of the Punjab State Food Commission, Vijay Dutt, today conducted a surprise inspection in SAS Nagar district, checking various government schools and government ration depots in Block Kharar-1. The purpose of the inspection was to assess the ground-level implementation of schemes being run under the National Food Security Act (NFSA).
During the inspection, Mr. Dutt closely examined the quality of the Mid-Day Meal, cleanliness of kitchens, safe storage of food materials, and overall hygiene arrangements in government schools. He directed the concerned officials to ensure regular health check-ups of Mid-Day Meal workers so that safe and hygienic food can be provided to the children. On this occasion, he also interacted with the students about the quality of the food and sat with them while they were having their meal.
Mr. Dutt instructed officials to ensure regular testing of drinking water quality in all schools so that students receive safe and clean drinking water.
Emphasizing the importance of kitchen gardens in schools, he said that they can help provide natural and nutritious food to children. He suggested that vegetables such as carrots, radish, mint, and other green plants should be grown in school premises so that fresh and nutritious produce can be made available to students.
Vijay Dutt further stated that if radish and carrot leaves are used to prepare a drink or soup for children, it can be highly beneficial for their health. He added that these are small initiatives that require almost no additional cost, yet they can significantly improve children’s health and nutrition.
He directed school managements and concerned officials to pay special attention to these aspects. He also stated that if any technical assistance from the Horticulture Department is required for developing kitchen gardens, it will be provided. Necessary instructions in this regard have already been issued to the administration.
In addition, Mr. Dutt inspected government ration depots, where he reviewed the quality of food grains being distributed to beneficiaries, stock registers, and the overall distribution system. He directed officials to ensure that no irregularities in ration distribution will be tolerated.
He also instructed that the Punjab State Food Commission’s helpline and complaint number 9876 764545 must be prominently displayed at all government schools, anganwadi centers, and government ration depots, so that the public and beneficiaries can easily register their complaints.
After the inspection, Mr. Dutt stated that any negligence regarding children’s nutrition, health, and food security will not be tolerated, and strict action will be taken against officials found violating the rules.