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The High Court of Madras on Friday persuaded the State Government to frame urgent plans on account of which the Midday Meal Scheme is not disrupted. This was done in order to prevent any future disruptions from occurring due to any future natural calamities or disasters.
The Bench heard a Public Interest Litigation filed by the Citizen Consumer and Civic Action Group, an NGO which is focusing on supplying nutritious meals to school-going children. This step was taken due to the closure of school due to the Pandemic which started in March last year. The Petitioner mentioned that the state of Tamil Nadu is obligated to conduct such activity considering the National Food Security Act of 2013.
"While it is hoped that the worst is over, what the Covid-19 pandemic may have taught humanity is not to take anything for granted and to be prepared for the worst.
It would do well for the State to prepare a plan of action where whether there is any natural calamity or disaster or the pandemic or anything which is beyond the everyday difficulty, there is a plan B or plan C ready so that the vulnerable children and young adults do not go without nutritious meals" The High Court, observed.
A bench of Chief Justice Sanjib Banerjee and Justice PD Audikesavalu heard a PIL petition which was filed earlier this year. The Petition was mainly concerned over the interruption of the Midday Meal Scheme due to the ongoing Covid-19 Pandemic.
The Court came to notice that the Midday Meal Scheme had already gained momentum in the state of Tamil Nadu for the students of class 9th and 10th after their classes resumed in September.
"The remainder of the classes will resume on November 1st, 2021. It is submitted on behalf of the State that immediately upon resumption of the other classes, the children will get their hot cooked food with an egg from the first day of the commencement of school, the High Court observed.
The provision for hot, fresh, and nutritious meals with eggs under the scheme will resume for the school students whose schools are commencing from November 1.
Senior Advocate N L Rajesh appearing for the petitioner stressed that such schemes cannot be ceased in the future at any cost.
The Midday Meal Scheme is considered a beneficial event. Chief Justice Banerjee suggested that there should a provision for the same in order to prevent any type of disruption in the future.
The High Court of Madras adjourned the petition by four weeks. This action was undertaken because there was a status report yet to be filed by the Secretary of the State Social Welfare and Women Empowerment Development. During the course of the hearing, the Court also appreciated that the Stae had already resumed the Midday Meal Scheme in the rural areas even when the Covid-19 Pandemic Lockdown had not been completely lifted.
The next hearing will be heard on November 26th 2021.
Case Title - Citizen Consumer and Civic Action Group vs. Union of India
Matter heard on - 22.10.2021
Bench - Cheif Justice Sanjib Banerjee and Justice PD Audikesavalu
Citation - WP No.13642 of 2021
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