Mass edu dept to take charge of MDM implementation

The popular MDM scheme was now being managed by the women and child development (WCD). "The responsibility of MDM will come to us from June 17, the day on which schools reopen," said School and Mass Education minister Pratap Jena after a meeting chaired by chief minister Naveen Patnaik.

However, supplimentary nutrition programme (SNP) being implemented through anganwadi centres would be managed by WCD as earlier, Jena said adding arrangements were made in schools for smooth and proper functioning of the MDM scheme.

Joint bank accounts would be opened in the names of the concerned self-help-group and the headmaster of the school for operation of the MDM, Jena said.

"There will be separate menu for the six working days in the schools. Special officers will also be appointed for verification of the MDM scheme," he said.

The state government`s act of handing over the MDM scheme to S&ME came after dal scam came to light earlier this year.