Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik today sanctioned financial assistance of Rs 117.73 crore for the Pachika-Sahayikas employed in the schools of the state at Lok Seva Bhawan and also provided assistance to them for sarees. Rs 117.73 crore have been sanctioned as financial assistance and a written allowance of Rs. 5.45 crores have been disbursed to the bank accounts of 1.09 lakh Pachikas of the state.
Speaking on this occasion, the CM said that the role of mid-day meal is very important for the spread of education among children and safety of life. Pachika and helpers are carrying this crucial responsibility. More than 45 lakh children are studying in more than 50,000 schools. Like mother, you have taken the responsibility of feeding these children. Therefore, the Chief Minister said that the entire society is indebted to them.
Expressing that the lunch program is going on through 4730 Mission Shakti groups, the Chief Minister said that like all other responsibilities, they are fulfilling this responsibility well. Commenting that the reputation of Mission Shakti is increasing day by day, the Chief Minister said that efforts will continue to empower women through Mission Shakti.
Stating that the pachikas and assistants have been trained in food and hygiene, the Chief Minister hoped that they would maintain hygiene and food safety in the mid-day meal.
On this occasion, School and Public Education Minister Sudam Marndi gave a speech and highlighted the mid-day meal program in the state. He said that the mid-day meal program will play an important role in eliminating absenteeism and absenteeism in schools.
S Ashwathy, Commissioner and Secretary of School and Public Education Department gave the welcome speech and vote of thanks was given by the Nodal Officer of the Midday Meal programme.
It is worth noting that 45.55 lakh students from class I to VIII are benefiting in 50,862 schools in the state. 1.09 lakh members and assistants of 47 30 Mission Shakti groups are involved in the preparation of the lunch. Earlier in 2017-18, they were sanctioned Rs 250 per person as Saree allowance.
