Panaji: Local self-help groups (SHGs) who provide midday meals to students in Goa should not be replaced by NGOs who lack the knowledge of local dietary practices, said Goa Forward Party president Vijai Sardesai on Monday.
Sardesai has written to govt expressing concern over Akshay Patra being asked to provide midday meals to students. He has suggested that govt must instead strengthen women-led self-help groups by ensuring that outstanding dues amounting to Rs 82 lakh are paid to them.
“The dedication of these SHGs and their awareness of local food habits have ensured that meals are nutritious and consistent with the tastes and dietary preferences of our students,” he said.
“Immediate release of funds is critical for the midday meal scheme and women entrepreneurship. The SHGs must also get trained on modern nutritional standards and hygiene practices,” Sardesai said.
To ensure that students are given good quality meals, rigorous quality control mechanisms must be put in place, he said. “By investing in our local SHGs, we are not only guaranteeing high-quality meals to our students, but also promoting local employment and community development,” said Sardesai.
Sardesai has written to govt expressing concern over Akshay Patra being asked to provide midday meals to students. He has suggested that govt must instead strengthen women-led self-help groups by ensuring that outstanding dues amounting to Rs 82 lakh are paid to them.
“The dedication of these SHGs and their awareness of local food habits have ensured that meals are nutritious and consistent with the tastes and dietary preferences of our students,” he said.
“Immediate release of funds is critical for the midday meal scheme and women entrepreneurship. The SHGs must also get trained on modern nutritional standards and hygiene practices,” Sardesai said.
To ensure that students are given good quality meals, rigorous quality control mechanisms must be put in place, he said. “By investing in our local SHGs, we are not only guaranteeing high-quality meals to our students, but also promoting local employment and community development,” said Sardesai.