Rajasthan to Replace Kitchen Equipment in 53K Schools Under PM Poshan Scheme; Teachers’ Union Flags Budget Bias

Banswara- The Rajasthan government has initiated a major drive to replace outdated kitchen equipment, including utensils, stoves, and containers, in over 53,000 government schools and madrasas across the state under the PM Poshan (Mid-Day Meal) scheme. The move applies to equipment that has been in use for five years or more. District education authorities have been directed to submit proposals within two days, with the budget allocation to be based on student enrollment numbers.

However, the Siaram Rajasthan Teachers' Union has raised objections to the funding formula, alleging discrimination in budget allocation. The union is demanding equal funding for all schools, regardless of student strength, and has also called for a separate budget for the repair and construction of kitchen sheds.

Nanuram Damor, of the Siaram organization, confirmed that the state government has begun the process of replacing old kitchen devices. Mahipal Bhuta, added that the Mid-Day Meal Commissionerate has issued orders to all district education officers (primary education) to compile local requirements. The replacement is being carried out according to guidelines from the Union Ministry of Education.

Budget Based on Enrollment, Not Need

The Union's District president Naveen Kumar Joshi criticized the allocation model, stating that funds for new utensils and kitchen equipment should not be determined solely by the number of enrolled students. He noted that in some panchayats, only half of the schools have received budget allocations, calling such discrimination unjust.

Senior organization leader Shripal Jain explained the budget breakdown: schools with up to 50 students will receive ₹10,000 each; those with 51 to 150 students will get ₹15,000; schools with 151 to 250 students will receive ₹20,000; and those with 251 or more students will be allocated ₹25,000.

Tribal Regions Seek Higher Funds,  525 Schools in Banswara Ignored?

Schools can purchase equipment within the sanctioned amount based on actual needs across three categories: cooking devices (stoves, gas chulhas), containers for safe storage of grains and food materials, and serving utensils such as plates, bowls, and large cooking pots.

The union has also demanded a higher budget for government schools in tribal TSP (Tribal Sub-Plan) areas, citing difficult geographical conditions and a lack of philanthropists (Bhamashahs) in these regions.

The Commissionerate has given strict instructions to prioritize this work. All district education officers have been directed to submit demand letters based on the urgent needs of approved schools within two days. Proposals must be sent to the commissionerate within this timeframe to ensure the release of budgets and further action.

According to the state’s list of 53,738 schools and madrasas, over 525 schools in Banswara district are included. However, the Siaram organization alleged that most of these schools have been overlooked, and no budget has been allocated. For those that did receive allocations, proposals must be prepared and submitted based on enrollment numbers. The demand letter was signed by state assembly president Lalit R. Patidar, Amrit Lal Damor, and Arun Vyas.