Trinamool protests against linking midday meals to Aadhaar

Kolkata, March 6: West Bengal's ruling Trinamool Congress on Monday hit the streets protesting against the central government's decision to link Aadhaar card with the midday meals programme in schools.

Trinamool's women activists led by former minister Chandrima Bhattacharya took out a rally in central Kolkata, demanding the immediate rollback of the move dubbing it "anti-people."

Belting out slogans and displaying posters on themselves, they said students will starve due to the linking.

"To make Aadhar cards for children, one has to start when they are still in the womb? Do people now have to carry out ultra sonography to determine the sex of the infant so they can apply for an Aadhar card ? Does it mean, the Centre is trying to legalise foetal sex determination," Bhattacharya questioned.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had on Saturday termed as shocking the central government's decision.

"Now even infants (0-5 years) will need Aadhar cards? Aadhaar card for mid-day meals and ICDS (Integrated Child Development Scheme)? Shocking! 100 Days' Work also not spared," she had tweeted.

The Human Resources Development Ministry has come up with a notification making it mandatory for students to have an Aadhaar number for getting their midday meals.

The cook-cum-helpers engaged in preparing the meals for the scheme would also now be required to have Aadhaar cards.