In response to the financial crisis faced by the Kerala government leading to a halt in funding for the mid-day meal scheme, the education department has instructed schools to independently raise funds through crowdfunding. The directive, issued by the Directorate of General Education on Wednesday, mandates schools benefiting from the mid-day meal scheme to establish a maintenance committee by November 30 for the continuity of food distribution. The department cited the delay in the central government’s share as the reason for the state’s inability to finance the scheme.
All government, aided, and special schools falling under the mid-day meal scheme are required to form this committee, seeking support from parents and the public. The committee will have ward members as trustees, with the head teacher serving as the convener. In the event of a delay in government funds, this committee will assume responsibility for sustaining food distribution at schools. Additionally, the committee is authorized to make decisions regarding interest-free loans, which may be borrowed from parents, former students, and local VIPs. The headteacher is obligated to repay these loans once the government disburses the funds, as outlined in the circular.
Furthermore, the department has instructed schools to collaborate with parents, the public, local government institutions, and maximize Corporate Social Responsibility funds for providing breakfast to eligible students.
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