Toor dal, a staple on the midday meal platter, may go off the menu in Mysuru district following uncertainty over its supply owing to an unexpected rise in the price.
Sources in the Department of Public Instruction say it’s still being served under the flagship programme, and the current stock is expected to drain by March 15. Under the programme, toor dal costs Rs. 73 per kilo. However, it’s now sold at Rs. 86. Dealers, who have the contract to supply the food grain to schools, have demanded that the ceiling be raised in view of the price rise.
Sources say that the price issue had been taken up with the State-level committee that monitors the implementation of the programme and a proposal from the suppliers to raise the limit had been submitted. But, the decision had been delayed as there is a price difference of Rs. 10 per kilo. Nevertheless, sources say the decision is expected shortly as schools have to implement the scheme even during examinations.
P.A. Gopal, CEO of Mysore Zilla Panchayat, told The Hindu that the schools would be asked to buy toor dal locally with the available fund and get it reimbursed if there is further delay in the supply. “We are hoping for a price revision. The food prices were last revised about six months ago.”
Midday meal programme officer Uday Kumar said about 1,100 quintals of toor dal was required every month in the district under the programme. About 20 per cent schools may face shortage of toor dal in the coming week if there is a delay in supply.
“Schools with higher student strength usually have more stock than others,” Mr. Kumar explained.
Authorities are mulling to switch over to other grains such as green gram, cow pea or horse gram in the event of delay in supply.
Mr. Gopal said the schools had been advised to look for alternatives for the time being.
