A series of schools still have to advance boarding meals
Reporting to Lao Dong Newspaper, some parents with children studying at schools in Nam Po district (old) were confused that up to now, many schools have not been able to choose a food supplier for boarding meals.
Accordingly, instead of surveying, selecting food suppliers and signing contracts before the beginning of the school year, many schools are still advance each meal for the students.
After many days of investigation, the reporter has met with a number of principals in the reported area in Na Hy commune. Most principals avoid the question: "Why haven't you yet chosen a food supplier?". Some said that they were stuck between the regulations of the Department of Education and Training and the commune government, but please do not name them.
According to a private source of Lao Dong Newspaper, before selecting a food supplier, many principals in Na Hy commune were called to the room of the Chairman of the Commune People's Committee. After that, 11 schools in the commune held a meeting to select a food supplier.
On September 10, reporters were directly present at the meeting of 11 principals, vice principals and accountants of schools in Na Hy commune along with representatives of 3 food suppliers. At the meeting, there were heated arguments between units and disagreements about the choice of views of principals.
The meeting lasted nearly 10 hours (from 7:30 a.m. to more than 4:00 p.m.) but schools have not yet selected a supplier. To end the meeting, the schools and 3 suppliers agreed to "divide 3" market share. Accordingly, each contractor is appointed to "intermediate" food for some specific schools in the area until September 20.
On the same day, speaking with reporters about this issue, Mr. Chu Van Su - Chairman of Na Hy Commune People's Committee said that this was a meeting organized by the schools themselves but not directed by the Commune People's Committee. "I also do not direct schools to choose any contractors. Whoever offers a cheap price should choose it" - Mr. Su said.
Strictly handle if commune officials interfere in boarding meals
Regarding the organization of meals for boarding students, on September 9, speaking with a reporter from Lao Dong Newspaper, Ms. Hoang Tuyet Ban - Director of the Department of Education and Training of Dien Bien province said that this is a matter of special concern to the Department.
According to Ms. Hoang Tuyet Ban, the Department has recently received information about shortcomings in some schools in some localities. In particular, many schools have not yet implemented the selection of food suppliers for boarding meals.
According to Ms. Hoang Tuyet Ban, the selection of food and food suppliers has been clearly regulated in Official Dispatch No. 1702, dated June 19, 2024 on guiding the organization of collective kitchens in educational institutions in the province.
Accordingly, schools that organize boarding meals for students will establish a Life Management Board. In which the Principal is the head of the department. Based on the survey information, the Management Board of Life held a public meeting and agreed to select suppliers to sign contracts according to regulations.
The Director of the Department of Education and Training of Dien Bien province also affirmed: "The commune chairman does not have the right to interfere in selecting a food supplier in organizing meals for boarding students".
On September 17, speaking with a reporter from Lao Dong Newspaper about this content, Mr. Le Thanh Do - Chairman of Dien Bien Provincial People's Committee said that the Provincial People's Committee had received information reflecting on the imposition and appointment of food supply units for boarding and daycare schools by some commune-level authorities.
Determining that these will affect the effectiveness of the operation of local authorities at both levels, the Provincial People's Committee has also issued a document directing timely correction of current shortcomings. Request the People's Committees of communes and wards to strictly implement the provisions of the law on management and use of the State budget.
"In which, it is strictly forbidden acts of imposition, designation, and pressure in selecting food and provisions suppliers for profit. Urgently review, inspect, promptly detect and strictly handle violations (if any)" - Chairman of Dien Bien Provincial People's Committee affirmed.
