Himachal Pradesh News
Himachal Pradesh Introduces ‘Bhojan Parakhi’ System for Mid-Day Meal Monitoring
In an effort to improve the quality and hygiene of mid-day meals in government schools, the Directorate of School Education Himachal Pradesh has directed Deputy Directors to form rotating groups of parents — preferably mothers — to taste food before it is served to students.
In an effort to improve the quality and hygiene of mid-day meals in government schools, the Directorate of School Education Himachal Pradesh has directed Deputy Directors to form rotating groups of parents — preferably mothers — to taste food before it is served to students.
The parent group will be known as ‘Bhojan Parakhi’ and will assess the quality, hygiene and nutritional value of meals prepared under the mid-day meal scheme.
How the System Will Work
According to official instructions:
- Schools must maintain a monthly day-to-day roster.
- At least one or two mothers will visit daily to taste the food before distribution.
- Visiting parents will inspect:
- Cleanliness of the kitchen-cum-store
- Quality of ingredients used
- Proper cooking of meals
If a mother is unable to attend on her scheduled day, the roster allows flexibility for a neighbour or another parent to step in.
Mandatory Feedback and Monitoring
The visiting parent must:
- Record feedback in a register
- Note the time of tasting
- Sign the register daily
Any concerns about food quality or hygiene must be reported immediately to the chairperson of the School Management Committee (SMC) and the school head to ensure prompt corrective action.
Practical Challenges Raised
A school teacher, however, highlighted potential challenges in implementing the directive.
“At present, the food is usually tasted by a designated teacher or an SMC member. In rural areas, many mothers are engaged in agricultural work. It remains to be seen how many will be able to spare time for this responsibility,” the teacher said.
The initiative aims to strengthen accountability and community participation, but its success may depend on active parental involvement and practical feasibility, especially in rural areas.
