Writer Pamaran has written to the Chief Minister of TN requesting for provision of midday meals to poor students during the current crisis.
Coimbatore: Writer Pamaran has written to the Chief Minister of TN requesting for provision of midday meals to poor students during the current crisis.
He said, "it is with great satisfaction that we note that Anganwadi children younger than five years are being delivered healthy meals to their home."
He further added, "when all schools have been closed down indefinitely due to the pandemic, there are certain other issues that I would like to bring to the notice of the government. While the well-to-do can afford to remain isolated at home and still provide for their children, the poor have not been able to do so to their children who were earlier provided food at schools.
It is common knowledge that school going toddlers in this place yearn for at least one meal per day. The midday meals provided by the government has been a guide to India and a historic one.
The speech of L.C. Gurusamy at the Legislative Assembly, during the rule of the Justice party in 1923, brought about the introduction of midday meals at some schools in Chennai. Following this, during the rule of Kamarajar the scheme was expanded and during the rule of MGR the midday meals scheme was made popular and available at all schools."
He lamented "the children who were used to eating at least one meal a day until the lockdown came about are now left longing without that nutritious meal. When parents are struggling with job loss and lack of income, how can they provide for their children? Though the government is already in the midst of handling a lot during the crisis, they must also take time to address this issue too.
The government must take some measures to provide all school children with the midday meal that was being provided to them when they were at school. Compared to most other states the administrative structure is very sound in TN. If all district administrations put their heart into it, it is an achievable feat."
He opined that "the food can be delivered to the children at their home for the fear of contracting the disease is higher if they step out. Or else, parents can be asked to collect the food on behalf of their children."
He added, "we do not know when schools will reopen, whether in July or August. The children must therefore not be made to wait for their midday meal and the government must ensure that at least that one healthy meal is being provided to the children. The people will thank the government for making this possible."