Jaipur: Govt school teachers in Rajasthan have demanded an increase in mid-day meal funds, saying the upgraded menu announced by the state cannot be implemented without additional resources.

As per an order issued on Sept 15, schools must now serve roti, dal and sabji four days a week—Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. On Tuesday, rice, dal and sabji will be given, while Thursday’s meal will be khichdi made of rice, pulses and vegetables. In addition, fruit must be served once a week.

However, on Sept 19, a primary school teacher in Sevar block, Bharatpur, was issued a disciplinary notice after an inspection revealed that all prescribed items were not served. Following this, teachers’ associations questioned how schools could follow the new rules without higher budget allocations, more cook-cum-helpers, and extra time.

Vipin Prakash Sharma, State President of Rajasthan Primary and Secondary Teachers’ Association, said, “This order is completely impractical. Classes 1 to 5 are paid Rs 6.78 per child as cooking conversion cost, and Classes 6 to 8 are paid Rs 10.17 per student. This amount is very little, and providing both dal and vegetables is impossible.”

Teachers have now demanded that to implement the new menu, the cost should be increased to Rs 10 for Classes 1 to 5 and Rs 15 for Classes 6 to 8. They said that they will write to the education minister about the changes and request a rational budget increase.

The education department has also directed all district collectors and district education officers (DEOs) to display the weekly menu through wall paintings so that parents can clearly understand the type of food being served. Furthermore, mothers or female guardians of students will be invited to each school, and meals will be served in their presence. Before serving, the mothers will taste the food and report its quality and taste. After this, the students will be served the meal.