Kolkata, Aug. 4 -- The state School Education Department has issued a standard operating procedure (SOP) for the supply of PM POSHAN meals by ISKCON supported Annamrita Foundation in Kolkata, prescribing fixed delivery schedules, GPS tracking of food trucks and verification of Cook-cum-Helpers (CCHs) to streamline implementation of the scheme.
Issued by the State Project Director of PM POSHAN following feedback from stakeholders, the SOP directs that meals must reach schools by 8.30 am for the morning shift and by 1.30 pm for the day shift.
The Foundation has been asked to operate food trucks on fixed routes with GPS tracking. Delivery personnel must obtain signed receipts from the teacher-in-charge, while schools have been directed to ensure authorised staff are available to receive meals without delay.
The department has also directed district authorities to circulate the list of schools covered by the Annamrita Foundation in the first phase.
The SOP requires verification of existing CCHs, who have been asked to report to the nodal officer by August 5 with their bank account and self-help group details. Their claims will be verified against the previous month's direct benefit transfer records and engagement letters before they are assigned to schools.
It states that the number of CCHs in each school must remain proportionate to the student strength under PM POSHAN guidelines. Existing CCHs who fail to report within the stipulated time may have their engagement cancelled, and fresh appointments may be made to fill
the shortfall.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.