Concern Over Cooking Gas Supply in Schools
Government schools in Punjab are facing growing concerns over the availability of LPG cylinders used for preparing mid-day meals for students. The issue has raised alarms among education authorities and school administrations, as thousands of children depend on the mid-day meal scheme for daily nutrition.
Most government schools in the state rely on LPG gas cylinders to cook meals under the PM Poshan (Mid-Day Meal) Scheme, which provides free food to students from pre-primary to Class 8. However, recent reports indicate that delays in gas supply or booking issues could disrupt the cooking process in many schools.
Officials and school staff fear that if the supply of LPG cylinders is not maintained regularly, it could affect the smooth functioning of the program and leave students without their daily meals.
Mid-Day Meal Scheme Plays a Crucial Role
The mid-day meal program is considered one of the most important welfare schemes in government schools. For many children from economically weaker families, the meal served in school is sometimes the most nutritious food they receive during the day.
Experts say the scheme also plays a significant role in improving school attendance and reducing dropout rates, especially among rural and low-income families. If the meal service is interrupted, it could negatively affect students’ education and health.
In several districts of Punjab, thousands of schools depend entirely on LPG-based cooking systems to prepare food for students every day. Even a short-term shortage of cooking gas could disrupt the routine operations of school kitchens.
Government Issues Advisory to Ensure Continuity
To prevent disruption, the Punjab State Mid-Day Meal Society has asked district education officers to monitor the situation and ensure that students continue receiving meals without interruption.
Authorities have also advised schools to prepare backup cooking arrangements if LPG supply becomes limited. Alternative options such as using firewood or traditional cooking methods have been suggested as temporary solutions to keep the scheme running smoothly.
Officials clarified that the advisory is a precautionary measure so that schools can respond quickly if a gas shortage occurs in certain areas.
Schools Preparing Alternative Arrangements
Some schools have already started reviewing their fuel availability and planning alternative methods of cooking if necessary. Teachers and mid-day meal workers say that maintaining sufficient gas stock is essential because schools prepare food for hundreds of students daily.
Reports from some districts indicate that many schools currently have limited LPG stock that may last only a few days, which has increased anxiety among administrators responsible for running the meal program.
Education department officials, however, maintain that they are closely monitoring the situation and will coordinate with gas supply agencies to avoid any major disruption.
Importance of Timely Supply
Experts believe that ensuring a steady supply of LPG cylinders is critical for the success of the mid-day meal scheme. If the situation worsens, schools may face logistical challenges in preparing food for students on time.
For now, authorities are focusing on contingency planning and coordination with gas distributors to make sure that the welfare program continues without interruption and that students do not suffer due to fuel shortages.
