RTI Query: 1 of 3 BMC's school children is malnourished
An RTI reply revealed that despite the introduction of midday meals in schools over 2 decades ago, 1 out of every 3 school kids studying in a municipal school is malnourished. In the last 3 years, the number of undernourished students has increased four-fold. However, the money reserved for the midday-scheme in the same period increased drastically. Tap in for more stories from Mumbai!
On 30th May, Swabhiman Shetkari Sanghatana's leader Raju Shetti, whose outfit is a member of the BJP-led coalition in Maharashtra, admonished Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, saying they misled farmers regarding the prospects of a loan waiver. Shetti led a march from Kolhapur to Mumbai, highlighting the Government's "anti-farmer" policies. In Mumbai, the march was attended by many farmers.
Maharashtra Women and Child Development Minister Pankaja Munde was accused by the Aam Aadmi Party for allowing irregularities amounting to Rs. 5,439 crore. AAP alleged that Munde awarded contracts to suspicious self-help groups and Mahila Mandals (women's groups) for a scheme meant to help poor children and lactating mothers. Dismissing the allegations, the BJP advised AAP to focus on running its government in Delhi.
The bail plea of a 40-year-old Kalina school teacher, accused of molesting 10 minor girl students was denied. The Special Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act court ruled that with the investigation being in progress, it would be improper to free the accused on bail. The accused was arrested last month with another teacher.
Admission procedures for degree colleges affiliated to the Mumbai University begin tomorrow (1st June). Students seeking admission will first have to register online on the University of Mumbai portal; they will however, also need to buy admission forms from their colleges. College admission forms can be bought until 15th June. Submission of the two forms will start on 16th June.
The Indian Meteorological Department has predicted that monsoon will hit the Konkan coast (which Mumbai is a part of) around 8th-10th June. The Department also added that the weather system could be plus-minus four days from the predicted dates. Parts of Mumbai received light rain between Monday night and Tuesday morning.
