The state government is all set to empower students and other stakeholders in the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) and the mid-day meal scheme by launching a helpline that would enable them to register complaints against negligent teachers and callous authorities.

Slated to get functional from July this year, the helpline is being developed jointly by the mid-day meal authority and the SSA.

“The helpline will provide a platform for students to lodge complaints against teachers and report about the poor quality of mid-day meals,” said Veena, State Project Director, SSA.

Stakeholders and the administration can report the lack of proper infrastructure in schools through this new helpline. It will be an easy medium through which anyone from even remote areas in the state can easily register their complaints,” she added.

Bids have been invited for the service provider of the helpline.

A presentation on the shortlisted parties will be made before the SSA and the mid-day meal authority on July 6, in which modalities will be worked out.

Once they are discussed, the helpline will be launched in Lucknow next month.

“Regular complaints regarding the quality of mid-day meals and the absence of teachers in schools are being reported. The purpose of the helpline is to improve the standard of education,” said Veena.

Once the complaint has been registered, the service provider will forward it to the Basic Shiksha Adhikari concerned on the same day, who will then take required action within the stipulated time.