Depertment

Education and Mid-Day Meal Department

The Education and Mid-Day Meal Department of Panskura Municipality is responsible for ensuring scholarship schemes, and improving child health and school attendance through nutritional support. This department serves as a link between students, schools, and government welfare programs.

Key Functions of the Department:

• Promotion of girl child education through Kanyashree Prakalpa.
• Assistance in applying for various scholarship schemes at state and national levels.
• Organization of educational, cultural, and awareness programs in schools.
• Coordination with educational institutions for student welfare.

Major Scholarships and Student Welfare Assistance:

The department provides guidance and support to students in applying for the following:

1. Kanyashree Prakalpa

• Empowerment of adolescent girls (13–18 years) through financial support.
• K1: ₹1,000 annually for students continuing their education.
• K2: One-time ₹25,000 grant upon reaching age 18, if unmarried and pursuing education.

2. Swami Vivekananda Merit-cum-Means Scholarship (SVMCM)

• For meritorious students from financially weaker backgrounds.
• Covers Higher Secondary to postgraduate levels.

3. Nabanna Scholarship

• From the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund.
• For students with minimum qualifying marks and low family income.

4. National Scholarship Portal (NSP)

• A unified platform for central and state-funded scholarships across India.

5. Aikyashree / Minority Scholarships

• Merit-cum-Means, Pre-Matric, and Post-Matric aid for minority students.
• Encourages educational progression among underrepresented communities.

6. OASIS Scholarship (SC, ST, OBC)

• Supports students belonging to Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes.

School-Related Programs and Events:

• Cultural Events: Organizing cultural programs, essay competitions, debates, and sports activities , Celebrating festivals and cultural heritage through performances and exhibitions.​
• Sports Competitions: Organizing inter-school sports events to promote physical fitness and teamwork.​
• Celebrating national events (e.g., Republic Day, Independence Day) in schools

Mid-Day Meal:

The Mid-Day Meal , also known as PM POSHAN, which is one of the largest school meal programs in the world, plays a role in ensuring child nutrition, improving school attendance, and supporting overall development among school-going children. 

 Key Functions of the Department:

1. Implementation of Mid-Day Meal Scheme:
   • Distributes cooked mid-day meals to students in government and government-aided primary and upper primary schools.
2. Nutritional Support:
   • Ensures each meal meets the prescribed calorie and protein standards to combat malnutrition and support healthy growth.
3. Monitoring Quality and Hygiene:
   • Oversees meal preparation, kitchen hygiene, and the quality and safety of food served to students.
   • Conducts regular inspections and monitoring visits to schools.
4. Improving School Participation:
   • Aims to increase school enrollment, attendance, and retention, especially among economically weaker sections.
5. Infrastructure Support:
   • Helps in setting up and maintaining kitchen sheds, storage facilities, and utensils in schools.
6. Social Equity and Inclusion:
   • Promotes social integration by ensuring children from all backgrounds eat together, fostering unity and equality.
7. Coordination with Schools and Suppliers:
   • Works closely with headmasters, teachers, and Self-Help Groups (SHGs) or cooks for smooth implementation.
   • Ensures timely supply of food grains and cooking ingredients.
8. Record-Keeping and Reporting:
   • Maintains records of food stock, daily consumption, and beneficiary students.
   • Submits reports to higher authorities for transparency and accountability.