Delhi: Alarming rise in lizards in mid-day meals during monsoons
What's the story
A standing committee meeting of North Municipal Corporation of Delhi (NMCD) on Wednesday expressed concern over alarming rise in the number of lizards in mid-day meals served in government schools of Delhi. Many councillors said it is happening due to the rainy season. Reportedly, Rs. 16.71 crore was spent in 2017-18 for mid-day meals of 2.28 lakh students enrolled in NMCD's schools.
Incidents
Recently, mid-day meals led to students being hospitalized
Earlier this month, 30 girls fell ill after eating a mid-day meal in Narela's government school. The students had spotted a lizard in the meal, and later the presence of the reptile was confirmed by school authorities. On July 8, two girls were taken sick after food served to them in Kalyanpuri's government school had a lizard. The license of the vendor was canceled.
Concerns
Have to be careful, lizards are everywhere, says Congress councilor
Veteran Congress councilor, Mukesh Goel said lizards crawl up even in houses during monsoons, hence, it is necessary to keep an eye on school kitchens to avoid untoward incidents. "Have any of our officers checked in what conditions these NGOs are cooking our children's meals, whether the daals are properly covered, and insects and lizards are not lurching about?" he asked.
Details
Meanwhile, BJP councilor asks if teachers pay attention to students
Diverting attention from the issue, BJP Councillor Poonam Parashar asserted she saw male teaches loitering around and female teachers knitting sweaters during winters. "Most of the times, our teachers are busy on WhatsApp. They have no time to take care of the children," Jai Bhagwan, counclior of BSP complained. The councilors also said number of admissions dropped from 2016 to 2018.