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Nayagarh: In what could baffle most parents of children studying in government schools across the state, allegations of adulterated paneer being served in mid day meals have cropped up from different schools in Khandapada area of Nayagarh district.
Many parents have alleged that the paneer served to children in the MDM every Saturday is prepared in the school by mixing powdered milk along with a large amount of vinegar, which is not good for health.
Sources said over 200 schools in the area have been recommended to provide paneer to the children in the MDM. For this, the government has also assigned responsibility to a private agency.
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Paneer Preparation[/caption]
However, it has been alleged that the agency, instead of providing paneer made and processed from milk, supplies powdered milk and vinegar to the schools.
"Every Saturday we are given paneer along with rice. The taste of paneer is not good at all. It would have been better if they served some nutritious food other than paneer," alleged a child.
The parents meanwhile raised questions on the method the paneer is prepared alleging that excess dilution of vinegar with milk powder may deteriorate the health of their children.
On the other hand, the Chief District Medical Officer (CDMO) informed that the paneer sample has been sent to District Food Security Officer (DFSO) for examination. CDMO Suresh Chandra Mishra said," After analysis of the sample, we can ascertain how much proportion of milk powder and vinegar have been used. I have directed the FSO to probe into the matter and if anything is found beyond proportion, necessary action will be taken."
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Paneer Preparation[/caption]
Meanwhile, the local MLA stated that a probe will be initiated only after a complaint is lodged either by school authorities or the parents. "Till now, I haven't received any such complaints. A probe will be undertaken after we receive complaints," stated Khandapada MLA Anubhav Patnaik.
