Government Allocates Just ₹6.78 Per Primary Student, Teachers Struggle to Provide Full Meals

Guwahati: Rising food prices are creating serious challenges for government schools in Assam, with teachers struggling to provide nutritious mid-day meals to students within the limited funds allocated by the government.

Under the PM-POSHAN scheme, the daily material cost allocation for a primary school student is just ₹6.78. Teachers say the amount is insufficient to prepare a complete meal comprising dal, vegetables and other essential food items.

Although rice is supplied separately by the government, the allocated amount is becoming increasingly inadequate amid rising market prices.

One Egg Costs More Than the Daily Meal Allocation

The situation has become particularly difficult when it comes to providing eggs to students.

According to teachers, an egg currently costs around ₹9 in the local market. This means the price of a single egg is higher than the entire daily food-material allocation of ₹6.78 for a primary student.

Teachers have raised concerns about how schools can provide nutritious meals while complying with the meal requirements within such limited financial resources.

Four Months of Pending Funds: Teachers' Allegation

Adding to the difficulties, teachers allege that funds allocated for mid-day meals have not been released for the past four months.

As a result, several head teachers have reportedly been spending thousands of rupees from their own pockets to ensure that students continue receiving their daily meals.

Many teachers are now facing financial difficulties as food prices continue to rise and pending payments accumulate.

Teachers Demand Increase in Allocation

The teaching community has urged the government to increase the per-student allocation under the mid-day meal scheme in view of the rising cost of essential food items.

They have also demanded the immediate release of pending funds so that schools can continue providing meals without placing an additional financial burden on teachers.

Students' Nutrition at Stake

Teachers warn that inadequate funding could affect the quality and nutritional value of meals served to students.

They have appealed to the government to take immediate action to address the funding crisis and ensure that every student receives a proper and nutritious meal.

With rising food prices and delayed fund releases creating mounting pressure on schools, the question remains: how can teachers provide a complete and nutritious meal with such limited financial support?