Government schools in Itanagar fail to deliver daily meals under PM Poshan scheme

A survey of six government upper primary and secondary schools in Itanagar has revealed significant gaps in the implementation of the PM Poshan Yojana, with students receiving meals only sporadically and uniforms distributed irregularly.

 

The investigation by India Today NE found that several schools provide meals on alternate days rather than daily, whilst others have stopped cooking altogether. School authorities and mid-day meal coordinators cited water supply issues, shortages of essential ingredients like pulses and vegetables, and inadequate compensation for cooks as primary obstacles. Workers currently receive just Rs 1,000 monthly, which officials say fails to incentivise regular meal preparation.

 

Students interviewed on camera confirmed these shortcomings, stating they receive khichdi only occasionally, sometimes after prolonged gaps of several days.

 

The findings contradict guidelines issued by Amjad Tak, Commissioner of Arunachal Pradesh's Education Department, who previously directed all government primary and secondary schools to provide daily meals in accordance with PM Poshan Yojana standards.

 

However, the uniform distribution showed mixed results. Nyokum Lapang Upper Primary School successfully met distribution requirements, though other institutions fell short.

 

Despite these operational failures, infrastructure development continues across the capital's schools. The state has allocated Rs 3,000 crore for "Mission Shikshit Arunachal 2029" in the 2025-26 budget, part of broader "Year of Youth" initiatives.

 

Construction of new G2 and G3 buildings is underway at several locations, with smart classrooms already operational in some institutions. Chimpu Secondary School recently showcased equipment received under the PM Shri scheme.

 

Yet headmasters at Chimpu and neighbouring schools have raised concerns about basic security, requesting dedicated guard posts and proper CCTV surveillance to prevent theft of school property.

 

The survey highlights a disconnect between infrastructure modernisation and fundamental service delivery, with students going hungry despite government schemes designed specifically to ensure daily nutrition.