Bhopal, Dec 8 (NationPress) The president of the Madhya Pradesh Congress, Jitu Patwari, has accused the school and education department, along with the Mid-Day Meal Scheme, of significant irregularities. He has called for a high-level investigation into these claims. Patwari pointed out that despite a nearly fivefold increase in the education budget over the past eight years, the number of children enrolled in both government and private schools has seen a decline.

According to government statistics, more than 50 lakh children have dropped out of the education system in Madhya Pradesh during this period. Patwari highlighted that enrollment for the Mid-Day Meal Scheme decreased from 1.60 crore in 2018-19 to only 1.40 crore in 2024-25, raising questions about the allocation of educational funds.

“When the enrollment is decreasing, where is this enormous budget being allocated? This situation is alarming, and we are demanding a CBI inquiry,” stated Patwari.

During a press conference in Bhopal, he further criticized the BJP government for only assigning one teacher to manage approximately 1,500 primary schools and for failing to recruit additional staff.

“It is concerning that over 25% of higher secondary schools lack teachers in crucial subjects like Math, Science, and English. Additionally, more than 10,000 schools are without principals or headmasters,” he added.

In response to comments from Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan regarding nutritional deficits among schoolchildren in Madhya Pradesh, Patwari noted that the central government has also acknowledged potential irregularities.

During a workshop discussing the New Education Policy, Pradhan remarked that among 1.5 crore students in the state, approximately 50 lakh may not have had access to basic nutritional foods by the time they reach class five. He emphasized the dire need for essential food items like milk and nuts for these children.