02/09/2026
SALUTE TO EVERY SCHOOL SERVING MID-DAY MEALS WITH DEDICATION
JKMF’S STRONG AND HUMBLE APPEAL FOR THE IMMEDIATE RELEASE OF PENDING MDM FUNDS
Srinagar | August 31, 2026
An extraordinary virtual meeting of the Jammu and Kashmir Masters Forum (JKMF) was convened under the able leadership of Chairman JKMF, Mr. Abdul Rashid Malik, with the participation of office bearers and senior members from across the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir namely Vice Chairman Mr Mohammad Muqbool Dar, General Secretary Mr Tariq Ahmad Malik, Chief Spokesperson Mr Parvaiz Akbar Mir, Media and Publicity Chief Mr Nazir Tabassum, Provincial President Kashmir Mr Muzaffar Hussain Khadim, District President Baramulla Mr Abdul Rashid Pood, District President Anantnag Mr Ghulam Qadir Bhat etc
The meeting primarily deliberated upon the long-pending reimbursement/release of Mid-Day Meal (MDM) expenditure, reportedly pending with the School Education Department since March 2026.
The prolonged delay has caused considerable financial pressure on schools, particularly those in rural, remote and far-flung areas with higher student enrolment, where school administrations continue their best efforts to ensure that every child receives a regular and nutritious meal.
A MATTER OF CHILDREN, NOT JUST FUNDS
The Forum expressed serious concern that continued delays in the settlement of legitimate MDM expenditure may place an avoidable burden on Headmasters, teachers and school administrations, who are already managing numerous academic and administrative responsibilities.
Schools should not be placed in a position where they have to struggle to meet expenditure arising from the implementation of a government-sponsored programme.
Teachers are educators—not financiers of government schemes.
The timely release of admissible MDM funds is therefore essential for the smooth, dignified and uninterrupted implementation of the programme, as well as for reducing unnecessary financial pressure on schools.
JKMF’S HUMBLE BUT FIRM APPEAL
The participants unanimously appealed to:
Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor of Jammu & Kashmir, Shri Manoj Sinha
Hon’ble Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir, Shri Omar Abdullah
Hon’ble Minister for Education, Ms. Sakina Itoo
Commissioner/Secretary, School Education Department, Shri Ram Niwas Sharma (IAS)
Directors of School Education, Jammu & Kashmir
to kindly intervene and take immediate, sympathetic and time-bound measures for the release of all legitimate and duly admissible pending MDM funds, strictly in accordance with the applicable rules, records and financial procedures.
This is not simply an issue of pending expenditure. It directly concerns the smooth functioning of schools and the nutritional welfare, dignity and educational interests of thousands of children.
No child should suffer because of an administrative or financial delay, and no school administration should be compelled to shoulder an undue financial burden while implementing a government programme.
OUR MESSAGE IS SIMPLE AND CLEAR:
RELEASE THE PENDING MDM FUNDS.
SUPPORT OUR SCHOOLS.
PROTECT OUR CHILDREN.
STRENGTHEN RURAL EDUCATION.
JKMF places its faith in the responsive, sensitive and child-centric administration of Jammu & Kashmir and earnestly hopes that this genuine concern of government schools will receive urgent and positive consideration.
A HEARTFELT SALUTE TO OUR SCHOOLS
JKMF extends its sincere appreciation to every Primary, Middle and other government educational institution where HOI's, teachers and staff continue to serve children with dedication, responsibility and commitment, often despite challenging circumstances.
Their commitment deserves recognition, support and timely financial assistance—not additional burden.
Media and Publicity Wing
Jammu and Kashmir Masters Forum (JKMF)