Release Gurukul, Midday Meal Dues of Rs.163 Cr: Bhatti

On Wednesday evening, he held a review meeting at Praja Bhavan with officials from the Finance department and Gurukul institutions. During the meeting, he instructed that Rs.51.36 crore be released towards pending diet, rent, and cosmetic charges of all SC Gurukuls, hostels, and related institutions across the state.

Similarly, he ordered the release of Rs.47.61 crore towards pending diet and rent dues of Minority Gurukuls and educational institutions. In addition, he directed officials to immediately release Rs.63.92 crore in pending payments related to the Midday Meal Scheme.

Recalling that the People’s government, upon assuming office, increased diet charges by 40 per cent and cosmetic charges by 200 per cent for Gurukul and hostel students to ensure they receive nutritious, diverse, and high-quality food, Bhatti Vikramarka emphasized that administrators must not compromise on quality and must strictly follow the government-prescribed menu.

He further instructed officials to inspect government educational institutions regularly as per a fixed calendar to review the facilities being provided to students. He directed that detailed reports of these visits be submitted promptly by the concerned administrators. Finance Department Principal Secretary Sandeep Kumar Sultania and other officials participated in the meeting.