SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir government has proposed the central government to cover over nine Lakh students for free meals under the Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman on an average basis during 2022-23.
The Department of School Education and Literacy, PM -POSHAN division said, “UT has proposed to cover 5,30,379 children in Primary classes, 2,86,341 children in Upper Primary classes and 1,14,606 children in Bal Vatika on an average basis during 2022-23.”
In the meeting PAB said that after detailed discussions, “PAB approved to cover 5,30,379 children in Primary classes, 2,86,U1 children in Upper Primary classes and 1,14,606 children in Bal Vatika on an average basis during 2022-23.”
About the social audit, authorities from Jammu and Kashmir informed the ministry that a social audit has been conducted in 16 districts covering 20 schools from each district. “A total of 320 schools were covered during 2021-22. The detailed compilation reports of the social audit are under process.”
Commenting on the social audit matter, the PAB had appreciated the effort made by UT. The UT was informed that under the provisions of Section 28 of the National Food Security Act, 2013 Social Audit of the scheme is mandatory.
The PAB advised to take appropriate measures for display of entitlements of children under PM POSHAN at prominent places easily visible to the public in all schools.
“UT was also advised to take appropriate measures for awareness generation about the scheme,” reads the minutes of the meeting.
The union minister also said that during the year, if it is noticed by the UT administration that more funds are needed to implement the scheme, due to increase in the attendance of children, increase in school working days or for any other reason, they may approach Government of India at any time during the year with justification seeking additional central Assistance and food grains.
“Similarly, if the central Government observes less coverage than the approvals, the actual releases may be restricted to actual coverage,” it reads.
