'No Compromise On Student Welfare,' Minister Dadaji Bhuse Directs Strict Quality Checks In Maharashtra Schools

Maharashtra's School Education Minister Dadaji Bhuse has emphasized strict quality and hygiene standards for school meals, uniforms, and infrastructure. Speaking at a virtual meeting on the PM Poshan Shakti Nirman scheme, Bhuse stated that no compromise would be accepted regarding student welfare. Education officials were instructed to conduct thorough inspections of schools to verify the availability of quality facilities.

Special attention was given to drinking water, toilets, building repairs, electronic facilities, laboratories, and playgrounds. Bhuse stressed that quality education was the department's top priority. The food grains supplied to students must be of good quality, and cleanliness of storage areas, kitchens, and dining spaces was crucial. Failure to adhere to prescribed standards could lead to responsibility being placed on school headmasters, cluster heads, and relevant officials.

Uniforms were also a focus, with instructions to inspect their quality and submit reports immediately. Suppliers of substandard uniforms would face strict action, along with school management committees and education officers. All schools were directed to provide separate toilets for girls, which must be clean, functional, and accessible to students with disabilities.

Bhuse suggested mobilizing funds for infrastructure through various state schemes and encouraged equal prioritization of health and education in aspirational districts and talukas. A recognition program for well-performing talukas was announced. Principal Secretary Ranjit Singh Deol emphasized the importance of effectively implementing government schemes in schools and conducting regular inspections.

Sachindra Pratap Singh, School Education Commissioner, urged additional caution during monsoon season to prevent food spoilage.

Nodal officers were to be appointed in every school, and training for cooks and helpers was required. Kitchen gardens have been established in approximately 85% of Maharashtra's schools.