The Ministry of Education in India has taken action regarding reports of alleged misuse of funds under the PM Poshan Scheme in the state of West Bengal. In response, the Ministry has requested a special audit of the implementation of the PM Poshan Scheme in the state for the past three financial years from the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG). The audit will cover compliance, performance, and financial aspects.
The CAG has the authority to conduct this audit under the Regulations on Audit and Accounts (Amendment) 2020, which were formed in accordance with the Comptroller and Auditor General’s (Duties, Powers, and Conditions of Service) Act of 1971. Based on the results of the audit, necessary corrective actions will be taken by the Department of School Education and Literacy.
The PM Poshan Scheme, which is administered by the Department of School Education and Literacy, provides funding to states for the provision of one hot cooked meal to eligible children in classes I to VIII and Balvatika. The scheme benefits over 11.80 crore children in the country, who attend 11.20 lakh government or government-aided schools.
The Ministry of Education has taken a proactive step in ensuring the proper implementation of the PM Poshan Scheme and ensuring that the funds are being utilized for the intended purpose. The special audit by the CAG will provide an in-depth analysis of the scheme’s implementation in West Bengal and help to take necessary steps to improve it.
