Jaipur: Distribution of milk powder in Rajasthan govt schools as part of Pannadhay Bal Gopal Yojana has improved in the past two months after regular monitoring, but still only 70% of the distribution target is being met. The scheme provides milk prepared from milk powder daily to students up to Class 8.The education department has written to Animal Husbandry, Fisheries and Gopalan department to ensure 100% distribution of milk powder. “As per the latest status available (Sept 7), overall delivery has reached 70% of the total requirement. Thus, 30% of the required quantity is still remaining to be delivered to schools,” states a letter by additional chief secretary for education, Rajesh Yadav, on Sept 15.The letter adds that as of Aug 17, overall delivery was 57%, which improved in Sept.“Although the progress is appreciable, the remaining 30% delivery is still substantial and requires immediate, focused and time-bound action so that 100% delivery is achieved without any further delay,” adds the letter.Deeg is the only district with zero distribution of milk powder to schools, while Bharatpur, Alwar, Khairthal, Jaisalmer, Kotputli-Behror, Pratapgarh, Jhunjhunu, Bikaner, Pali and Jalore have below 50% distribution of milk. Districts like Ajmer, Banswara, Chittorgarh, Dungarpur, Rajsamand, Salumber, Tonk, Sriganganagar, Hanumangarh, Churu and Sirohi have achieved 100% distribution of milk powder in schools.The education secretary has asked the animal husbandry department to direct Rajasthan Co-operative Dairy Federation Limited (RCDF) to “complete delivery of the entire pending quantity on priority and on a war footing.”The department has also instructed that immediate delivery be ensured in districts where the material has already been dispatched but has not yet reached the schools, and that arrangements be made for dispatching the balance quantity in districts where the required quantity has not yet been dispatched.The education department has also instructed that district-wise development be closely monitored daily, responsibility be fixed at the appropriate level for any delay in supply or delivery, and corrective action be taken wherever required.
