Margao: Goa Forward Party chief Vijai Sardesai today made a surprise visit to the Ravindra Kelekar Dyanmandir School to inspect the quality of mid-day meals provided by the local women’s Self-Help Group. Sardesai promised the women he will question the Chief Minister on his support to Akshaya Patra when local women SHGs were doing an excellent job.
The Fatorda MLA was accompanied by Goa Forward Party leaders Prashant Naik and Durgadas Kamat.
Sardesai took the opportunity to go into the classrooms, and spent time interacting with students. He asked them if they were satisfied with the meals they received at school. Several students informed him they were served good quality homemade food. Sardesai also had a taste of the food when he shared the meal along with the students. Speaking to reporters, he said, “these Self-Help Groups are doing a commendable job by providing nutritious, homemade food to school children. This scheme was initiated in Goa by Manohar Parrikar, who decided to appoint women to provide the meals as a way to empower them.” Sardesai added: “Goans are known across India as very discerning when it comes to food. The students are clearly happy with the meals they’re getting. So, when this is the case, why does Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant want to displace these Self-Help groups, and instead support the Akshaya Patra organisation?”
He further said, “These women are working hard and providing excellent service, whereas Akshaya Patra relies on donations. I want to understand the reasons behind the Chief Minister’s support for Akshaya Patra. I will raise this issue in the forthcoming Assembly session,” he added.
