Assam Teachers Seek Pending Midday Meal Funds, Warn Scheme May Stop from Nov 1
Guwahati, Nov 1: The Assam State Primary Teachers’ Association (ASPTA) is urging Samagra Shiksha Assam to release outstanding funds for the midday meal scheme, warning that schools may be unable to continue providing meals from November 1. The association has also objected to new instructions regarding the use of school infrastructure grants.
Financial Difficulties for Schools
Schools across Assam are struggling to implement the midday meal scheme due to a lack of funds released for months. Head teachers have reportedly been purchasing food items on credit from local shops, but shopkeepers are now refusing to supply further materials without immediate payment. Outstanding bills are reportedly running into thousands and lakhs of rupees.
ASPTA Demands Immediate Action
ASPTA president Ratul Chandra Goswami and general secretary Sailendra Kalita have requested the Mission Director of Samagra Shiksha Assam to release the pending funds immediately and to prevent any disciplinary action against teachers if schools cannot provide meals from November 1 due to the funding shortage.
Objection to New Infrastructure Grant Instructions
The association strongly objected to recent district-level instructions regarding the utilization of infrastructure grants and other school grants for the 2026-27 financial year. Specifically, instructions from Hojai and Sivasagar districts were criticized for potentially forcing teachers to act as contractors.
Concerns Regarding Teacher Liability
The association expressed concern that teachers cannot obtain purchase receipts from suppliers without making payments. They fear that if teachers are required to purchase materials with their own funds and submit bills for reimbursement, they could face financial losses if the department does not promptly make payments to suppliers. This arrangement is considered unacceptable.
Demands for Revised Instructions
ASPTA demanded the immediate withdrawal of the problematic instructions and the implementation of a practical mechanism for utilizing school grants without imposing additional financial burdens on teachers. They also warned against holding teachers responsible for deteriorating school infrastructure due to the current restrictions on fund utilization.
Representations Submitted
Both representations were submitted to the Mission Director of Samagra Shiksha Assam at Kahilipara on Friday.
Source: The Assam Tribune. Featured image credit: The Assam Tribune.
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