Midday meal inspection in Ludhiana: Grains, grime and glaring gaps in the lunch line
Dhaliwal visited govt primary and high schools in Haibowal Kalan, Anganwadi centres in Joshi Nagar, and ration depots in Santosh Nagar, Pavitar Nagar, and Hakikat Nagar. During his inspection, he tasted meals personally, reviewed storage conditions, checked drinking water quality, and assessed overall cleanliness. At several schools, he found poorly stored food grains and detected excess Total dissolved solids (TDS) in drinking water — an indicator of unsafe consumption levels.
He issued on-the-spot instructions to rectify the issues, including installing RO systems where necessary and conducting regular water quality checks.
Dhaliwal also directed midday meal staff to wear head and hand coverings while cooking, and strictly follow the prescribed menu to ensure nutritional standards. He called for the inclusion of fresh vegetables and fruits in school meals and mandated biannual health check-ups for both students and midday meal workers.
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At ration depots, Dhaliwal noted a lack of complaint boxes and absence of public awareness materials. He instructed officials to install complaint boxes and display the Commission's toll-free helpline (9876764545) at schools, Anganwadi centres, and ration shops to enable reporting of food quality issues.
Earlier in the day, Dhaliwal chaired a meeting at the district administrative complex to review the implementation of welfare schemes including the Midday Meal Program, School Health Initiative, Antyodaya Anna Yojana, Fair Price Shops, Integrated Child Development Services, Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana, and the National Food Security Act.
He stressed the importance of organic farming and warned of the health dangers associated with excessive pesticide and fertiliser use. Reaffirming the Food Commission's commitment to ensuring food security, he said the state must guarantee safe, nutritious food and clean water as a public health priority. "Strict action will be taken against future violations related to hygiene, storage, or food quality," Dhaliwal said.
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