Chandigarh: BJP and Congress functionaries on Sunday targeted the AAP-led Punjab govt over allegations of delays in funds and ration for mid-day meals and Anganwadi centres.Punjab BJP president Kewal Singh Dhillon claimed cooking funds had been pending for months in around 1,435 primary and middle schools in Jalandhar, forcing teachers to spend their own money on ration. He also alleged schools in Ludhiana were cooking meals on traditional stoves.Dhillon said mid-day meal workers in Tarn Taran and Ludhiana were protesting for a Rs 10,000 monthly salary, DC rates, social security and insurance, affecting meal preparation.He also claimed ration supplies had stopped at 1,634 Anganwadi centres in Jalandhar following cancellation of tenders. According to him, children aged three to six were being given toffees and biscuits instead of porridge and khichdi, while pregnant and breastfeeding women were also being denied nutritional food.Dhillon demanded immediate release of pending funds, workers’ dues and supplier payments.Congress Gurdaspur MP and former deputy chief minister Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa also attacked the AAP govt over what he called the prolonged non-availability of ration at Anganwadi centres.Randhawa said the alleged replacement of porridge, khichdi and panjiri with biscuits and candies reflected administrative failure. He demanded accountability for the delay, including at the 1,634 Anganwadi centres in Jalandhar.
