Delhi MCD mid-day meal NGO contract extensions spark BJP–AAP dispute over kitchen hygiene

BJP and AAP traded accusations in the Municipal Corporation of Delhi over temporary extensions for NGO contracts supplying mid-day meals to civic school students. The exchange followed reports that the MCD is considering blacklisting six NGOs for unhygienic kitchen conditions. AAP questioned the extensions; the BJP said inspections led to notices and fines.

The BJP and AAP exchanged sharp comments in the MCD on Monday. The dispute concerned extending contracts for NGOs that supply mid-day meals in civic schools. The argument followed recent concerns about kitchen hygiene. The Municipal Corporation of Delhi had said it was considering blacklisting six NGOs. Officials cited unhygienic conditions in several kitchens.

The extension order allowed 18 NGOs to keep supplying meals. The order covered municipal and aided schools under the PM-POSHAN Scheme. The scheme provides hot cooked food to children in MCD schools. AAP said the decision raised questions after earlier inspection findings. BJP said the move was only a short-term step.

PM-POSHAN Scheme mid-day meal contracts draw AAP questions in MCD

AAP’s Leader of Opposition in the MCD, Ankush Narang, criticised the extensions. Narang referred to earlier inspections by BJP leaders in the education department. Narang said those visits had highlighted problems in kitchens and food quality. Narang argued the same groups then received contract extensions. Narang said this sent mixed signals about accountability.

"On one hand, BJP leaders in the MCDs education department have been inspecting kitchens and pointing out shortcomings in the food served to children, and on the other hand, they are granting extensions to the same institutions in which serious deficiencies were found,\" Narang said.

PM-POSHAN Scheme extensions called temporary by MCD Education Committee chairman

MCD Education Committee Chairman Yogesh Sharma responded to Narang’s remarks. Sharma said the opposition was making allegations without basis. Sharma also said the extensions were not long-term renewals. Sharma linked the decision to a transition period. Sharma said action had already followed earlier checks of kitchen operations.

\"After coming to power, the BJP carried out inspections of mid-day meal kitchens. Wherever we found shortcomings, notices were issued and fines were imposed. The extension we have given is only till March 31, and within the next month, our children will receive mid-day meals through new NGOs,\" Sharma said.

The exchange came as the MCD reviewed mid-day meal kitchens and suppliers. The civic body had recently flagged hygiene issues and discussed blacklisting six NGOs. At the same time, 18 NGOs received approval to continue under the PM-POSHAN Scheme. MCD leaders said the approval lasts till March 31. AAP questioned the consistency of the decision.

With inputs from PTI