LPG Shortage Hits Rural Schools in Beed

A severe shortage of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders has affected the implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman scheme in rural schools of Beed, Maharashtra.

The Zilla Parishad Primary School in Mulukwadi, located about 22 km from Beed, has been without an LPG cylinder for the past four months.

As a result, the school's kitchen staff has been forced to cook mid-day meals for students on traditional firewood stoves.

Ashwini Dhas, a school meal cook, expressed the difficulties faced by the cooking staff, particularly during the ongoing monsoon, due to damp firewood and excessive smoke.

The school's LPG supply has been exhausted, leaving no option but to cook on firewood.

The shortage has also raised concerns over the financial viability of the Pradhan Mantri Poshan programme.

Sandeep Dhas, Chairman of the School Management Committee, stated that government assistance for school meals is already inadequate, and the rising cost of LPG cylinders has further aggravated the problem.

An LPG cylinder costs around ₹3,100, making it difficult for schools to sustain the programme.

Social activist Dr Ganesh Dhawale emphasized the importance of the school nutrition programme as a crucial source of daily nourishment for children in rural areas.

He urged the government to ensure an uninterrupted supply of LPG cylinders to schools without delay.

The Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman scheme aims to provide nutritious meals to students in rural areas, but the LPG shortage has hindered its implementation.

The scheme's success relies on the availability of essential resources, including LPG cylinders.

The government must address the shortage to ensure the scheme's continued success.

The LPG shortage has significant implications for the education and health of rural students, highlighting the need for prompt action from the government.

In conclusion, the LPG shortage in rural schools of Beed has severely impacted the implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman scheme, and it is essential for the government to address this issue to ensure the well-being of rural students.