Assam teachers warn midday meal scheme may stop from November 1
The Assam State Primary Teachers’ Association has urged authorities to release pending funds to prevent the disruption of school meal services.
The Assam State Primary Teachers’ Association (ASPTA) has requested Samagra Shiksha Assam to clear outstanding dues to prevent schools from stopping midday meal services from November 1, according to The Assam Tribune.
ASPTA President Ratul Chandra Goswami and General Secretary Sailendra Kalita submitted two representations to the Mission Director of Samagra Shiksha Assam on Friday.
The association stated that head teachers have been buying food on credit from local shops for months, but shopkeepers are now refusing further credit due to unpaid bills.
The association warned that no disciplinary action should be taken against teachers if schools cannot provide meals from November 1 because of the fund shortage.
In a separate representation, the association objected to instructions from Hojai and Sivasagar district authorities regarding the use of school infrastructure grants.
ASPTA alleged these instructions would force teachers to act like contractors and demanded the withdrawal of the new arrangement to avoid financial liabilities for teachers.