Goa govt to overhaul mid-day meal scheme

PANAJI: The Goa Education department has decided to introduce some changes in the mid-day meal scheme following two major cases of food poisoning which were reported this month.

Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar, who holds the Education portfolio, has called a meeting of representatives of Parent-Teacher Associations, self-help groups involved in preparation of meals, and officials of related departments at Porvorim on July 24 to discuss the issue.

Sources said the scheme would be overhauled next month onwards. The changes would include introduction of fruits and home-made chapattis which are least likely to cause food poisoning.

Goa State Education Development Corporation, a state-run body, would be the nodal agency for implementation.

This month, two major cases of food poisoning through mid-day meals at schools were reported in the state, affecting over hundred students altogether.

Goa College of Home Science has been asked to conduct a detailed study of the mid-day meal scheme and suggest how it could be made safer for children.

Parrikar had earlier announced that food inspectors will be appointed to check the quality of meals served at schools.