Shimla, Himachal Pradesh
There is good news for young children studying in government schools across Himachal Pradesh. Students from nursery to Class 8 will now receive additional nutritious food twice a week along with their mid-day meal. The state government has approved amendments to the Chief Minister’s Bal Poshan Aahar Yojana, under which children will receive the additional nutrition every Wednesday and Friday.
Previously, children under the scheme received additional nutritious food only once a week. The government has now increased this to twice a week. The objective is to improve children’s nutritional levels and support their healthy growth and development.
Children Can Choose Between an Egg and Fruit
Under the revised arrangement, students will also have the option to choose what they want. Students who prefer eggs will be served a properly boiled egg. Those who choose fruit will be given a banana or an apple.
The fruits will be properly cleaned before being served to the children. Eggs will also be prepared in accordance with prescribed food safety standards. The government has emphasised compliance with food safety requirements during the procurement, storage, preparation, and distribution of the food items.
Ingredients to Be Purchased from Local Markets
The food items required under the scheme will be purchased from local markets. According to the government, local procurement will also benefit local markets and vendors. It is expected to help schools provide fresh food items that meet the prescribed standards.
Purchasing ingredients locally is also expected to increase local participation in the scheme. Schools will have to pay special attention to the quality and hygiene of the food items.
Government Focuses on Children’s Nutrition
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said the decision is aimed at improving children’s nutrition and supporting their healthy development. According to the government, providing additional nutritious food twice a week along with the regular mid-day meal will help meet children’s everyday nutritional requirements.
The government believes that providing additional nutritious food at school can provide better support for children’s health and development. Under the revised scheme, students from nursery to Class 8 will receive the additional food every Wednesday and Friday.
Following the change, children studying in government schools will receive their choice of a boiled egg or a banana/apple twice a week. Ensuring the quality and safety of the food will remain a key factor in the successful implementation of the scheme.
