Telangana Education Commission submits report on food safety in edu. institutions, recommends 50% hike in mid-day meal rates

Telangana Education Commission submits report on food safety in educational institutions, recommends changes in charges for midday meal scheme.

Telangana Education Commission (TEC) on Monday (January 27, 2025) submitted its report on food safety and quality in educational institutions in the State to Chief Secretary A. Santhi Kumari.

The recommendations on midday meal scheme and food quality and safety in government educational institutions, Commission chairman Mr. Murali said, were prepared after his team toured all 33 districts.

There were extensive discussions with various stakeholders in government schools, residential educational institutions, hostels, Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas, and Anganwadi centres in all the districts. A detailed report was made after examining deficiencies related to food quality, safety, infrastructure, and sanitation, he said.

Speaking to The Hindu, Mr. Murali said the major recommendation the TEC made to the government is to hike the rates of mid-day meals to 50% and for weekly payments to Self-Help Group members. The Commission also wrote that mid-day meals should be provided to intermediate students and to ⁠make Telangana Education Women and Infrastructure Development Corporation as the procurement agency for food material, cosmetics and student kits instead of the five Gurukula societies. 

TEC also suggested positioning of standard operating procedure for all gurukulas and schools in the State.