Fatehabad: The case of irregularities in the Mid-Day Meal Scheme launched in Fatehabad district schools nearly a decade ago is once again in the headlines. It is alleged that during the year 2014-15, the number of children in 13 government schools of the district was recorded as lesser, while the mid-day meal was shown prepared for the same, much higher number of children. To investigate this irregularity, a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) team was deployed, which reached village Bhirdana in Fatehabad on Wednesday to investigate the records of government schools in the district.

According to sources, more than 1,400 children taking meals were removed from the district schools between September 30, 2014 and September 30, 2015, but the amount of food provided to children remained unchanged. In this context, the CBI team spent approximately three hours examining the documents at the Government Senior Secondary School and Primary School in Bhirdana. During this time, the team also interviewed parents and the former students. Information reveals, several other schools in the district are also under CBI investigation, which include the Government Primary School in Bhattakalon, Government High School and Senior Secondary School in Jandwala Bagar, where the investigation by the CBI team has been completed. On Thursday, September 25, the team will also inspect the Government Senior Secondary School and Girls School in Ratia. in Fatehabad district.

During the investigation, the CBI team contacted parents and students based on the past records. The team also asked them whether the children attended school regularly at that time and whether they received mid-day meals. This CBI team will stay in the district until September 30th to conduct a thorough investigation of the schools involved in providing Mid-Day meals to children and further action will be taken based on the records and testimonies.