Bal Gopal Yojana Introduction
Bal Gopal Yojana:- As per the budget announcement made by the Honorable Chief Minister for the financial year 2022-23, students of government schools, madrasas, and special training centers under the Mid-Day Meal scheme are to be provided with milk made from powdered milk twice a week. This milk is to be procured and supplied by the Rajasthan Cooperative Dairy Federation Limited (RCDF).
The primary goal of launching the Chief Minister Bal Gopal Scheme under the Mid-Day Meal initiative is to increase enrollment and attendance in schools, prevent dropouts, and improve the nutrition level of students by providing essential macro and micro-nutrients.
Table of Contents
Eligibility for Bal Gopal Yojana
All students from Class 1 to 8 enrolled in government primary and upper primary schools, madrasas, and special training centers already benefiting from the Mid-Day Meal Scheme will be provided with milk twice a week.
Quantity of Milk:
The following quantities of milk will be provided to students based on their class levels:
Sr. No. | Class Level | Powdered Milk Quantity (Per Student) | Prepared Milk Quantity (Per Student) | Sugar Quantity |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Primary (Class 1-5) | 15 grams | 150 ml | 8.4 grams |
2 | Upper Primary (Class 6-8) | 20 grams | 200 ml | 10.2 grams |
Scheme Implementation:
Milk Procurement:
The powdered milk required for the scheme will be procured from the Rajasthan Cooperative Dairy Federation Limited (RCDF). The Mid-Day Meal Commissionerate will allocate the milk to districts, and RCDF will ensure doorstep delivery to schools.
Days of Milk Distribution:
Students will be provided with milk on the following days:
- Tuesday
- Friday
If the school is closed on these days, milk will be provided on the next working day.
Distribution Process:
Milk will be distributed to students immediately after the morning prayer.
Responsibility:
The responsibility for distributing milk to students lies with the School Management Committee (SMC).
Display of Information:
Every school must prominently display the “Mid-Day Meal Menu” along with information on the days milk is distributed, the quantity of milk, and the stock of powdered milk.
Payment for Milk:
Schools will pay RCDF ₹400 per kilogram for the powdered milk. If the price of milk powder changes, a committee will review and recommend adjustments with the approval of the Finance Department.
Quality and Measurement:
Nutritional Information:
The nutritional content of the powdered milk will be indicated on the package, and instructions for preparing the milk will be printed on it.
Quality Assurance:
Both RCDF and the School Management Committee will ensure the quality of the milk.
Testing Before Distribution:
Before distribution, the milk will be tasted by one teacher and one parent/SMC member, and a record will be maintained.
Other Necessary Arrangements:
Utensils:
Each school will be provided with necessary utensils, including stainless steel pots (20, 30, and 40 liters), depending on student enrollment. Schools will also receive a stainless steel tank (20 liters), a jug, and other items required for milk preparation. A maximum of ₹15,000 will be allocated for these purchases.
Glasses:
An additional ₹40 per student will be provided to purchase glasses for milk distribution. Purchases must comply with the Rajasthan Public Procurement Transparency Act, 2012, and its rules.
Fuel Arrangement:
A monthly allowance of ₹1,500 will be provided for the cost of fuel needed to heat the milk. Most schools already have gas cylinders and stoves, and any new or merged schools lacking these will be provided with them immediately.
Milk Preparation and Serving:
Each school may employ a person to prepare and heat the milk and clean the utensils, for which they will be paid ₹500 per month by the SMC.
Sugar Procurement:
The SMC will purchase sugar locally at the rate of ₹45 per kilogram. The amount of sugar to be used is 8.4 grams for each student in Class 1-5 and 10.2 grams for each student in Class 6-8.
Milk Preparation Guidelines:
- Follow the method printed on the milk powder packet.
- Dissolve the powder in lukewarm water before adding it to boiling water to avoid lumps.
- Ensure the milk is properly heated and sugar is fully dissolved.
- Use clean water for preparing milk.
- If there is leftover powder, seal it or store it in an airtight container and use it on the next milk distribution day.
Responsibilities of Various Stakeholders:
State Level:
The Commissioner of Mid-Day Meal is responsible for the smooth and efficient implementation of the Chief Minister Bal Gopal Scheme at the state level.
District Level:
The District Collector is responsible for the scheme’s implementation at the district level, with the District Education Officer (DEO) as the nodal officer.
Block Level:
The Block Education Officer (BEO) is responsible for implementing the scheme at the block level. A block-level review committee will hold monthly meetings to monitor the scheme’s progress.
School Level:
The School Management Committee (SMC) is responsible for ensuring that students are provided with milk on the designated days. The SMC must also maintain proper records of the scheme’s implementation and ensure that milk and utensils are available as per enrollment.
Bal Gopal Yojana Payment Procedure:
RCDF will submit receipts to the District Education Officer (DEO) for the milk supplied. The DEO will verify the receipts and process the payment at the approved rate of ₹400 per kilogram of powdered milk.
Additional Instructions:
- The milk should always be boiled before serving to students.
- Ensure all utensils are clean and well-maintained.
- Use clean and safe water for preparing the milk.
- Milk should not be served if it is spoiled or curdled.
- Keep students away from the area where milk is being heated to prevent accidents.
- Samples of prepared milk should be kept for 24 hours in case of any health issues.
- Maintain first-aid supplies in case of emergencies.
- School authorities will be held responsible for any irregularities in implementing the scheme.
These guidelines aim to ensure the effective and safe distribution of milk under the Chief Minister Bal Gopal Scheme for the nutritional benefit of students in Rajasthan.