By Our Staff Reporter
Dehradun, 31 Aug: Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) organised a workshop focused on the cleanliness standards for meals prepared under the PM Poshan Scheme in government schools. The standardisation workshop saw participation from the Education Department and the Food Safety and Drug Administration. Over 300 Participants included various officials, principals, PM Poshan coordinators, and others who attended the programme both offline and online.
The Chief Guest, Director General of Education Banshidhar Tiwari, emphasised upon the importance of such programmes to ensure that nutritious food is provided to students according to standards. He stated that food directly impacts children’s physical and mental development and urged everyone to pay special attention to cleanliness at home, school, and the surrounding environment.
Saurabh Tiwari, head and director of BIS Dehradun branch, also stressed that there should be no compromise on children’s health and that schools should procure all materials in accordance with standards. US Dhyani, Executive Director of FSSAI, joining online, highlighted that various agencies working on children’s health need to come together on a single platform to effectively benefit the program.
Mukul Sati, Additional State Project Director of Samagra Shiksha, stated that nutritious food for children can only be ensured through proper adherence to standards. Joint Director Kuldeep Garola informed that midday meals are provided in 16,428 schools across the state. Centralized kitchens are located in Dehradun and Udham Singh Nagar, while meals are prepared in schools in other areas. He also requested school principals to inform students about these standards during assemblies.
Ganesh Chandra Kandwal, Deputy Commissioner of Food Safety, provided information on the Food Safety Standards Act 2006. BIS scientist Sachin Chaudhary detailed the codes established by BIS for meal preparation and supply in schools and Central Kitchens (IS 6541: 2024). Scientist Saurabh Chaurasia discussed about the e-bis tools activities of BIS.
The event was attended by Additional Commissioner of Food Safety Tajbar Singh, Block Education Officers, Principals, and Bhojan Matas among others.
