While the courts and media come down heavily on this culture, political parties continue to announce freebies. They do this under the pretext of promising a ‘welfare state’.
Enrolment for scheme providing mid-day meals to preparatory-class 8 students in govt and govt-aided schools has shown a drop in 26 states and union territories in past 7 years.
Union education ministry has also sought an explanation for 'huge' spike in funds in the bank account meant for the scheme and why it was used to transfer money for state elections.
The principal used fake documents to register an NGO and drew Rs 11.46 crore from the midday meal scheme with the help of officials and staff of his department and banks.
The scheme has been rolled out in 7 districts, which according to the National Family Health Survey were reporting high malnutrition and anaemia levels among children.
Cabinet approves revamped midday meal scheme for govt schools, to cover an extra 24 lakh students in the 5-6 years age group, schools to appoint nutrition experts.
After two Covid waves, the long wait for dry ration and absence of cooked meals have started defeating one of the purposes of midday meal scheme — luring poor students to school.
HRD ministry data of 3 academic sessions shows nearly 25% gap between number of students who enrolled in govt schools and those covered by mid-day meal scheme.
After criticism for serving 'bland' food in Karnataka, Akshaya Patra says it not only follows govt guidelines but also provides extra items such as curd and fruits.
In India, only 17% of public sector banks and 25% of private sector banks claimed to have an internal strategy for integrating climate risks into their risk management framework.
Economists say there are weaknesses in India’s GDP data. But statisticians claim the accusations are based on flawed understanding, saying while GDP has problems, the economists are looking in the wrong places.
Both the governments expressed their commitment to strengthening their maritime cooperation to strengthen the maritime safety and security framework in the region.
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