Bengaluru: The mid-day meal cooks in government schools have been found to be taking their job lightly.
The teachers of the schools have complained to the education department about the callous attitude of these cooks, for which now the Block Education Officers (BEO) will have to monitor the situation. Recently, in one of the government schools in Hosakote, the cook used to finish her job by 10 am and leave the premises and it was found that she was also working as part-time cook in a hotel nearby, said a senior officer in the education department.
“The teachers also complained that she used to never clean the vegetables and rice and just cook the way it is. When they questioned her, she told that’s how it’s cooked. The staff found that she was working elsewhere and complained to the senior officers, but in vain,” added the officer.
“This is just one of the cases. We have received numerous complaints about the cooks not performing their duties properly. Now, we have directed all the teachers to submit a monthly report on their performance and maintenance of hygiene to the BEOs. If they are found not performing their duties, they will be replaced immediately,” said the officer.
A few officers found that the cooks also work as domestic helps and do other jobs, but tend to take the mid-day meal job lightly. One of the officers mentioned that it is understood they get paid less but it doesn’t mean they must compromise on the job.
“It is a serious issue and we will take strict action against the cooks by replacing them. We do not want the children to eat unhygienic or partially cooked food,” he said.
The education department is serious about the issue and has asked the BEOs to ensure that hygiene and safe cooking methods are followed in government schools.
