Public schools under Sub-Divisional Education Office (SDEO) Longkhim in Tuensang district are reportedly in crisis due to the non-receipt of cooking cost and Food Grant under PM Poshan (formerly called mid-day meal scheme). Under this scheme, children studying in primary and upper primary government and government aided schools are provided with nutritious lunches.

The delay in the disbursal of the funds is causing hindrances to the operation of our institutions, a frustrated Assistant Headmaster of a government school has written to the District Education Officer, Tuensang district, appealing for urgent intervention.

In the letter, the ADH disclosed that the requisite funds had been deposited by the Directorate, however, the schools are yet to receive the allocated amount from the SDEO, Longkhim.

“It is incredibly frustrating and disheartening that despite our diligent efforts in submitting our account details to SDEO Longkhim year ago, the necessary actions have not been taken to facilitate the transfer of funds from their office to ours,” the ADH stated.

Accusing the office of the SDEO Longkhim of “apparent incompetence or deliberate negligence” and the teacher raised concerns of possible corruption in the system and urged prompt and effective action to rectify the situation.

“I am prepared to escalate it to the attention of the Anti-Corruption Bureau for further investigation,” the ADH said.

Besides providing nutritious meals to students studying in classes 1-8, the other objectives of the mid-day meals are to enhance enrolment and to reduce school drop-outs.