Karnataka Opposition members express concern over quality of midday meals as supplier quotes below-market prices

The BJP members on Wednesday expressed concern in the Assembly over the quality of the midday meal scheme in government and aided schools across the State by pointing out that tenders to supply toor dal for midday meals had been bagged by a contractor who had quoted below-market prices.

Moving a call attention notice in this regard, BJP member B. Suresh Gowda alleged that the midday meals being served at the Karnataka Public School in his constituency of Tumakuru Rural was of inferior quality.

He attributed this to the fact that the contractor had bagged the contract for supplying toor dal to the scheme by quoting ₹63 per kg, far below the prevailing market price of ₹93.

He wondered if it was possible to supply quality toor dal at such a price level. “Either the contractor would have to supply inferior quality toor dal or cut the quantum of supply,” he argued.

Responding to their concerns, School Education and Literacy Minister Madhu Bangarappa made it clear strict action would be taken against the supplier if there were any quality issues or complaints.