1. Manipur University, Canchipur, Imphal. State: Manipur. 2nd half yearly monitoring report I. Districts monitored: Bishnupur and Thoubal II. Date of visit to the districts: 1.07.2011 to 30.09.2011 Visited 40 schools in Bishnupur district out of 302 schools in the breakup of 23 primary schools and 17 upper primary schools Visited 40 schools in Thoubal districts out of 486 schools in the breakup of 25 primary schools and 15 upper primary schools

2. Monitoring observation of Bishnupur district The team found that MDM was served in all the visited monitoring schools. But, not served daily due to unreleased of the food grain in time. The release of cooking cost is delayed, and is paid through banking channel. The remuneration paid to the cooks was Rs. 1500/- per month, but payment was irregular The feedback received from the children on quantity and quality of food was not positive.

3. Contd. Head Master/SMC decided the menu of MDM programme. 21 schools have kitchen sheds and 19 schools without kitchen sheds Availability of utensils of MDM is adequate in 5 schools, but inadequate in 35 schools No store rooms in the schools as such food grains are stored in the houses of the cook, head teachers, office room, etc.

4. MDM was served in 38 schools out of 40 monitoring schools, 2 schools namely Khekman P/S and Athokpam Jr. H/S did not served MDM MDM was served in 38 schools out of 40 monitoring schools, 2 schools namely Khekman P/S and Athokpam Jr. H/S did not served MDM The team found that MDM was served in average of 1 – 20 days The team found that MDM was served in average of 1 – 20 days The release of cooking cost is delayed, and is paid through banking channel. The release of cooking cost is delayed, and is paid through banking channel. Monitoring observation of Thoubal district

5. Contd. Children were not happy in the quality and quantity of food Children were not happy in the quality and quantity of food 31 schools had kitchen sheds, but 9 schools are not having kitchen sheds. 31 schools had kitchen sheds, but 9 schools are not having kitchen sheds. Food grains are stored in the house of head teachers, cook, school office Food grains are stored in the house of head teachers, cook, school office Utensils of MDM programme are adequate 12 schools and inadequate in 28 schools. Utensils of MDM programme are adequate 12 schools and inadequate in 28 schools. Tap water is available only in 6 schools. Tap water is available only in 6 schools. The MDM has been regulated by the Headmaster of the respective schools. The MDM has been regulated by the Headmaster of the respective schools.

6. Recommendation/suggestion for MDM for Bishnupur District Timely released of the MDM funds and regular supply of food grains are required so that MDM programme can be taken up uninterruptedly. Timely released of the MDM funds and regular supply of food grains are required so that MDM programme can be taken up uninterruptedly. Increase the quantity of MDM Increase the quantity of MDM Regular payments of the cook’s remuneration. Regular payments of the cook’s remuneration.

7. Improve the quality of MDM. Improve the quality of MDM. Only good quality of food grain should be accepted. Only good quality of food grain should be accepted. Timely release of MDM funds and food grains. Timely release of MDM funds and food grains. Regular payments of the cook’s honorarium Regular payments of the cook’s honorarium Appointment of helper to assist the cook in bigger schools. Appointment of helper to assist the cook in bigger schools. Recommendation/suggestion for MDM for Thoubal District

8. Overall Performance score card Bishnupur District Thoubal District

9. Note: 1. Dr. L. Leiren Singh, Reader, Department of Education, Manipur University, Canchipur. Thanks