Assam teachers warn midday meal scheme may stop from November 1
The Assam State Primary Teachers’ Association has urged Samagra Shiksha Assam to release outstanding funds to prevent the suspension of school meals.
The Assam State Primary Teachers’ Association (ASPTA) has warned that many schools in Assam might stop providing midday meals from November 1. According to The Assam Tribune, the association urged Samagra Shiksha Assam on Friday to clear unpaid dues that have been pending for months.
ASPTA President Ratul Chandra Goswami and General Secretary Sailendra Kalita requested the immediate release of funds and advance allocations. They also asked that no disciplinary action be taken against teachers if schools cannot provide meals due to the lack of money.
The association stated that head teachers have been buying food on credit from local shops. They noted that shopkeepers are now refusing to provide more supplies because outstanding bills have reached thousands and lakhs of rupees.
In separate representations to the Mission Director of Samagra Shiksha Assam, the association also demanded the withdrawal of instructions regarding school infrastructure grants. They alleged that new rules in Hojai and Sivasagar districts would force teachers to act like contractors.
The association expressed concern that teachers might face financial losses if they pay for materials personally and the department pays suppliers directly. They stated they would not use infrastructure grants unless the current instructions are revised.
ASPTA also said teachers should not be held responsible if school infrastructure declines because they cannot spend allocated funds under the current system.