School feeding programme to be monitored by guardian panels amid irregularity concerns
Committees will oversee food safety, quality and distribution at school level
The government has decided to form school-based five-member "guardian committees" to monitor food safety and service quality under the Mid-Day Meal programme in primary schools, following allegations of irregularities and the supply of substandard food items.
The decision was taken at an emergency meeting held today (18 May) at the Directorate of Primary Education in Mirpur, Dhaka, chaired by State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Bobby Hajjaj.
Senior officials from the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education and the Directorate of Primary Education were present at the meeting.
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According to ministry sources, recent reports from different parts of the country alleged that rotten or unripe bananas, low-quality buns and spoiled boiled eggs were being distributed under the school feeding programme.
Following media reports highlighting these irregularities, the ministry moved to address the issue urgently.
Under the new decision, each school will form a five-member guardian committee comprising the head teacher, a member of the School Management Committee, and three mothers or guardians. The committee will oversee the quality, safety and distribution of food provided to students.
Speaking at the meeting, State Minister Bobby Hajjaj said ensuring safe, nutritious and quality food for students remains a top government priority, adding that any form of irregularity, negligence or substandard service would not be tolerated.
He further said that approved packaging guidelines under the Mid-Day Meal programme must be strictly followed, and no changes would be accepted without prior approval.
To ensure transparency in the supply chain, he added that the food delivery driver and the national ID holder must be the same person, with mandatory identity verification during delivery.
The meeting also directed that subcontracting or subletting of supply work would not be allowed under any circumstances. Supply companies will be required to submit written undertakings in this regard.
In addition, Assistant Thana Education Officers (ATEOs) and District Primary Education Officers have been instructed to carry out at least two surprise inspections of supply facilities every month.
The meeting also ordered the formation of an investigation committee to probe irregularities in the Mid-Day Meal programme.
The committee has been asked to submit recommendations after verifying complaints within the shortest possible time, and strict action will be taken against those found responsible.
Launched in September last year, the Mid-Day Meal programme currently covers around 19,419 government primary schools in 150 upazilas, providing meals to nearly 3 million students. The initiative aims to improve attendance, reduce dropout rates and enhance classroom concentration.
