DOBAKA: Cooks and local residents alleged large-scale irregularities in the mid-day meal scheme at North Doboka Pathar Primary School in Hojai district.
They accused the school's in-charge headmaster, Md Giyas Uddin, of failing to provide adequate food supplies meant for 206 students. The cooks alleged that students were not served mid-day meals on Wednesdays and Thursdays, and that no meal had been served on any Saturday since he took charge.
They alleged that supplies included only two or three garlic cloves, four or five onions and 100 grams of refined oil. They also alleged that poor-quality oil and spices were supplied and that other essential food items were inadequate. Under the prescribed menu, students were to receive rice, dal, vegetables and eggs on Wednesdays, and rice, local dishes, dal and vegetables on Saturdays.
Residents also alleged negligence in regular teaching, claiming that the school was closed around 11 am or noon every day. They further alleged that cooks who raised the issue faced abuse, misconduct and threats of dismissal. They also alleged irregularities in the formation of the school management committee.
Local residents submitted a written complaint to the Hojai deputy commissioner on October 21. The cooks separately submitted a complaint to the district backward classes coordinator on October 23.
The residents sought a surprise inspection of the school and verification of food allocations, purchase bills, stock registers, distribution records and student attendance registers. They demanded an impartial inquiry and action against those found guilty.
