Mid-day meal NGO fined for violating health norms: SDMC

New Delhi: A NGO engaged by the South Delhi Municipal Corporation for the mid-day meal scheme has been slapped with a fine of Rs 54,879 for allegedly violating health and sanitation norms, the civic body on Sunday said. The SDMC's education department has been inspecting kitchens of various NGOs engaged for cooking mid-day meals meant for its school students.

"During a visit of kitchen of Stri Shakti Foundation, a number of gross irregularities were found. No staff members were wearing apron, flies were found in the kitchen area and a few workers were using dirty slippers. "A show cause notice was issued to this NGO and it was asked to submit a reply," the statement said. The SDMC said, the reply sent by the NGO was examined and it was found to be "unsatisfactory".

"It was opined after examination of the reply that NGO had failed to maintain proper hygienic conditions, hence this being a serious issue, as

pertaining to health of children, NGO Stri Shakti Foundation has been imposed a penalty of Rs 54,789," the statement said.