Maharashtra Education Minister Orders Strict Quality Checks in Schools

Education Minister Dadaji Bhuse told officials that student welfare is the top priority. During a meeting, he said that school meals, uniforms, and building conditions must be good. Officials now have to check food grain quality, kitchen cleanliness, and facilities like toilets and playgrounds regularly.

The government is focusing on Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman Yojana and the free uniform scheme. Minister Bhuse warned that headmasters and cluster heads will face action if they ignore quality and cleanliness rules. Also, schools must provide separate, clean toilets for girls and easy access for students with disabilities. To pay for repairs, the minister suggested using district planning committee budgets and local funds.

Quality and safety rules for schools

Primary Education Director Sharad Gosavi said schools must follow Food and Drug Administration rules, including tasting meals before serving them. Since 85 percent of schools have kitchen gardens, the plan is to keep these going with better local monitoring.