NEW DELHI: Pointing out caste discrimination in Mid-Day Meal (MDM) scheme could land a monitoring institution in trouble. War of words has started between the HRD ministry and MP Institute of Social Sciences ( MPISS ) over the latter’s report of widespread caste discrimination in the scheme in Madhya Pradesh.

After MPISS’s report, the ministry had sent a central team to verify claims of discrimination. The central team, the ministry claims, did not find any case of social discrimination. Pointing out several anomalies with MPISS report, the ministry not only sought explanation from MPISS director Sandeep Joshi but also threatened the institute that it could be blacklisted. Ministry official told Joshi that due diligence were not followed by MPISS while preparing the report on functioning of MDM in MP.

Joshi in a strong rebuttal has told the ministry that MPISS’s “observations are fact based” and “result of detailed discussions and minute observations/monitoring”. He told the ministry that “social equity issues are sensitive and without being convinced of such practice in a school our research staff never comments on such issues”. Joshi also maintains that all the data and observation on MDM is collected using a structured schedule. He also pointed out that data is shared with school headmaster who signs and puts his seal on it. Joshi has promised the ministry to send the documents to substantiate his claim.

Reacting to the ministry’s allegation that MPISS team did not visit many schools, Joshi has said before his team goes to any school prior information is sent to the commissioner, Rajya Shiksha Kendra, Bhopal , and MDM directorate. Only after district authorities are informed, team visits schools. He said team is accompanied by officials of block resource centres. MPISS has also disputed the ministry’s claim that observations were not put in the school register. Joshi said, “Independent monitoring agencies never make any entry in the school records.” He reminded the ministry official that earlier the ministry itself had said monitoring agencies are not required to write their observations. Joshi also denied that draft report of MPISS observations were not sent to MP government. He said reports are sent regularly, state never sends its comments.

