School Feeding Programme
Minister differs on success claim in enrolment
Primary and mass education minister Mostafizur Rahman yesterday expressed his reluctance to accept the view that 100 per cent enrolment at the primary level has been possible only due to the implementation of the school feeding programme.
Rahman was speaking as chief guest at a progress-sharing workshop on School Feeding and its Achievements organised by the primary and mass education ministry and the World Food Programme (WFP) at LGED Bhaban in the capital, with Md Alamgir, director general of the Directorate of Primary Education in the chair.
The 2013-2014 report on school feeding programme says that the projects implementation has ensured 100 per cent enrolment at the primary level, while the attendance of students has increased by 5 per cent to 13 per cent and the quality of education has begun to improve.
The government is now conducting the school feeding programme in poverty-prone areas of 93 upazilas, where around 34 lakh students are receiving a packet of biscuits along with vitamins and minerals six days a week.
Providing biscuits to primary students hasnt ensured 100 per cent enrolment. Many schools have failed to implement the feeding programme or receive the related stipend, but they still show a fair record concerning enrolment, attendance and gradation. We havent carried out any research on this issue, Rahman said.
Distribution of free books has played a significant role in increasing enrolment. Besides, even barbers and fishermen are now realising the benefits of education, which has helped us to attain 100 per cent enrolment. The feeding programme has only played a supplementary role, he added.
The minister also said that motivation could play an important role in bringing pupils to schools.
