The Andhra Pradesh State Food Commission has uncovered grave violations such as stock misuse, serving stale food, and using expired provisions in anganwadi centres and welfare hostels. Notices have been issued to responsible staff, demanding immediate corrective action.
Key Takeaways
- Expired chilli powder and ragi flour used in anganwadi centres
- Presence of insects, spoiled jaggery, and rotten bananas indicating hygiene lapses
- Undersized rice bags, lighter eggs, and missing stock boards in fair‑price shops
The Andhra Pradesh State Food Commission’s recent inspection uncovered multiple irregularities across anganwadi centres and welfare hostels, jeopardising the integrity of the Mid‑Day Meal (MDM) scheme. While the government supplies high‑quality provisions for schools and anganwadis, negligent handling by staff has resulted in children receiving stale and expired food.
Background and Significance
The MDM scheme is a cornerstone of India’s effort to combat child malnutrition, providing nutritious meals to millions of school‑age children. Anganwadi centres, under the same umbrella, cater to younger children and pregnant women, making any compromise in food quality a direct health risk.
Key Findings of the Inspection
Commission member G. Devi reported that at the Valmikipuram anganwadi in Annamayya district, chilli powder that had expired four months earlier and ragi flour past its expiry by 20 days were still being used. At the Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Gurukulam for Girls in Chinthaparthi, 128 packets of edible oil and wheat flour were found to be past their expiry dates.
Further observations included insects in wheat flour, spoiled jaggery, and rotten bananas, all pointing to severe unhygienic conditions in the kitchen. In Palnadu district, the commission discovered rice bags weighing only 42‑43 kg and eggs with reduced weight, suggesting deliberate short‑changing. Additionally, several fair‑price shops in Bapatla district lacked stock boards, and school kitchens were inadequately maintained.
Commission’s Response
Following the findings, the commission issued show‑cause notices to the responsible personnel, including the principal of the Gurukulam. Chairman Chitha Vijaya Prathap Reddy directed the School Education, Women Development & Child Welfare, Tribal Welfare, BC and Social Welfare departments to conduct on‑site visits and enforce strict compliance, ensuring that only quality food reaches the children.
Implications and Way Forward
Experts warn that repeated lapses could erode public confidence in the MDM scheme and exacerbate child health issues. Strengthening real‑time monitoring, leveraging digital inventory systems, and involving local community watchdogs are essential steps toward safeguarding the nutritional rights of children.
