Portal shift stalls mid-day meal funds, Ludhiana schools buy food on credit

Government schools in Ludhiana have been running the mid-day meal scheme on credit since May due to delayed fund releases caused by a transition to the SPARSH portal.

Teachers report that the portal shift disrupted the release of funds, also delaying payments for school uniforms.

The mid-day meal scheme provides ₹6.78 per child for primary classes and ₹10.17 per child for middle classes.

Deputy district education officer Manoj Kumar attributed the delay to the implementation of the SNA account system and said funds are expected within 15 days.