The Ministry of Education has received reports about alleged misuse of funds in West Bengal under the PM Poshan Scheme (formerly, Midday Meal). Instances of deviations in the implementation of the scheme have also been reported in media reports.

In light of this, the Ministry of Education has requested the office of the Comptroller and Auditor Generals (CAG) for a special audit of the implementation of PM Poshan Scheme in West Bengal that would include data from the last three financial years. This Audit will encompass compliance, performance and financial audit.

The office of CAG is empowered to conduct this Audit under Regulations on Audit and Accounts (Amendment) 2020 framed in pursuance of Section 23 of the Comptroller and Auditor Generals (Duties, Powers and Conditions of Service) Act, 1971, (Act No 56 of 1971). Necessary corrective action will be taken by the Department based on the Audit Report by the 0/o CAG.

The Department of School Education and Literacy administers the PM Poshan Scheme vide which funds are provided to States, based on proposals received from them, for one hot cooked meal to eligible children in Classes I to VIII and Balvatika. 

Detailed guidelines of PM Posha.

(PIB)