The state’s idea of “public service” comes with mocktails, not modesty. The government will spend ₹40 lakh on lavish hi-teas and buffet spreads for ministers during the 12-day Winter Assembly Session in Nagpur (Dec 8–19) — while a child’s mid-day meal still costs just ₹5.50.
Official documents reveal how taxpayer money will bankroll an elite menu of mocktails, paneer dishes, desserts, and soups across Vidhan Bhavan, Ramgiri (the Chief Minister’s residence), and other government offices — even on weekends, when the Assembly remains closed.
The plan starts a day before the session with a hi-tea for senior legislators and the Leader of Opposition, continues with press conference teas and cabinet refreshments, and ends with a farewell hi-tea for MLAs and ministers. All food will be served by Star-rated hotels, ensuring luxury on the public tab.
The Gold Non-Veg Menu includes mocktails, soups, paneer, salads, two non-veg dishes, dal, rice, breads, and desserts. The “light” menu still features fruit juices, starters, and sweets. The cost: ₹3.33 lakh per day, or about ₹3,300 per person — for tea and snacks.
By contrast, the PM POSHAN Mid-Day Meal Scheme feeds a child for ₹5.50 a day — rice, dal, one vegetable, sometimes a banana or egg. One minister’s hi-tea could feed 600 schoolchildren for a day; the total bill could fund 7.2 lakh meals.
While ministers sip mocktails and debate inflation, the state’s children survive on meals worth less than six rupees — a picture-perfect symbol of misplaced priorities.
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