Ludhiana, Dec. 24 -- Government schools across the district are struggling to run the mid-day meal scheme as funds for November and December are yet to be released, while only partial financial assistance was received for October, forcing many schools to procure food supplies on credit to ensure that children do not go hungry.

Teachers and school heads said the scheme depends entirely on the timely release of funds, but continued delays have placed them under severe pressure. With payments pending for two months and partial release for October, schools are finding it difficult to manage day-to-day expenses related to the scheme.

Several school heads said they have been left with no option but to approach local vendors for groceries and ...