'Future of 7 lakh children at risk': Mumbai Congress flags LPG shortage in mid-day meal scheme

Flagging risks to the nutrition and health of nearly 7.5 lakh school children, the Mumbai Regional Congress Committee has sought “urgent” intervention from Devendra Fadnavis, Chief Minister of Maharashtra, over a shortage of LPG cylinders for service providers, implementing the PM POSHAN (Mid-Day Meal) scheme in Mumbai.

Vijay Kumar Kanojia, secretary of Mumbai Regional Congress Committee, wrote a letter to the CM, demanding “immediate action” over the issue. “If action is not taken, the supply of mid-day meals may be disrupted and lakhs of children may be deprived of their Right to Food, which is part of the Right to Life under Article 21 of the Constitution of India,” Kanojia added.

Kanojia stated that approximately 7.50 lakh students in Mumbai are dependent on the Mid-Day Meal provided under the PM POSHAN scheme for daily nutrition. Shortage of LPG cylinders has become difficult to cook and supply meals to schools on a regular basis, he said.

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'Right to Food, Nutrition'

Stating the Supreme Court of India’s verdict, he added that the court has directed the state governments to ensure proper implementation of the Mid-Day Meal Scheme for school children.

“If the present situation continues, lakhs of students may be deprived of their constitutional right to food and nutrition, which will adversely affect their health, education, and overall development,” Kanojia added.

Hence, the Congress secretary has requested CM Fadnavis to intervene and ensure “uninterrupted” supply of commercial LGP cylinders to all service providers implementing the PM POSHAN scheme in Mumbai.

“Your prompt action in this matter will help safeguard the constitutional rights, nutrition, and welfare of lakhs of school children,” he wrote in the letter.