DC prohibits non-vegetarian meals in educational institutions of Doda

Jammu, June 29: The Deputy Commissioner of Doda Harvinder Singh has imposed a ban on the use of non-vegetarian meals or items in schools, colleges, and educational institutions throughout the district.In an official circular, Deputy Commissioner stated that numerous representations had been received from various stakeholders, including parents and community members, who expressed concerns regarding the use of school kitchens for the preparation of non-vegetarian meals, particularly during school functions and retirement events. “These practices have led to communal issues and the non-utilisation of mid-day meals by certain groups, prompting a request for corrective measures to ensure transparency, public confidence and secular inclusiveness,” he said. “Such practices may inadvertently provoke community sensitivities in a religiously diverse and secular society like ours, disrupt social harmony, create exclusion or discomfort among certain beneficiaries, and may contravene the secular principles enshrined in the Constitution of India, which promote equitable governance and respect for all religious and cultural practices.The Deputy Commissioner further instructed that it is mandatory for Principals and Heads of all schools, colleges, and educational institutions in District Doda to comply with the following directives—there shall be no use of non-vegetarian food items in any form for the preparation, serving, or distribution of food in all schools, colleges, and educational institutions in district Doda.  “All concerned officers must ensure that no member of any community is socially excluded from gatherings in these institutions based on dietary preferences,” the DC further said.