Min Lokesh conducts surprise inspection at Mylavaram School

Andhra Pradesh Minister for Education and IT Nara Lokesh carried out a surprise inspection at the Mandal Parishad Model Primary School in Devenicheruvu, Mylavaram (NTR district), following recent concerns over the quality of mid-day meals served to students.

The visit assumes significance in the wake of a controversy where students allegedly discarded food, prompting questions over supervision and food standards. During the inspection, the minister personally tasted the mid-day meal being served and interacted directly with students to assess its quality. Students informed him that the food provided by the newly appointed contractor was satisfactory.

Lokesh also questioned students about the quality of food served on the day of the earlier incident and prior days. He advised them to report any issues immediately to their parents, assuring that feedback would be systematically collected through the LEAP (Learning Excellence in Andhra Pradesh) app.

The minister reviewed the circumstances surrounding the earlier incident and sought explanations from the school staff. He specifically enquired whether a teacher was verifying food quality daily before serving it to students, as mandated. He also checked school records, classroom teaching standards, and campus conditions.

Issuing a stern warning, Lokesh said strict action would be taken if such lapses are repeated, emphasising that school authorities carry a sacred responsibility towards students. “Even minor issues must be identified and resolved immediately. Negligence will not be tolerated,” he said.

He directed officials to establish a robust feedback mechanism, including weekly phone calls to parents and IVRS-based monitoring of meal quality. The minister stressed the need to improve learning outcomes alongside increasing enrolment, stating that every government school is equally important.

Lokesh later visited the Anganwadi centre on the premises, inspected food being served there, and expressed satisfaction with its cleanliness and standards.