In a significant boost to the nutritional quality of mid-day meals, students in government and government-aided schools across Karnataka will soon receive eggs six days a week.
This development comes as part of a newly signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Karnataka government and the Azim Premji Foundation.
Currently, Karnataka’s mid-day meal scheme provides eggs to students on only two days each week. However, under the new agreement, this will increase to six days a week, substantially enhancing the students' dietary intake.
The MoU, formalised on Saturday, represents a three-year commitment from the Azim Premji Foundation to support and enrich the state’s meal program.
In addition to eggs, an alternative high-nutrition supplement will be offered to students who do not consume eggs due to cultural or dietary preferences, according to a statement from the foundation.
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah praised the Azim Premji Foundation for its "historic" initiative, emphasizing the importance of quality food for the mental and physical well-being of schoolchildren.
Speaking at the inauguration of the program, Siddaramaiah highlighted the critical role of nutritious food in promoting better education and cognitive development.
The MoU stipulates that the Azim Premji Foundation will provide eggs for four days each week, with each student receiving one egg per day.
This enhancement aims to address the issue of inadequate nutrition among children who often come to school without having had breakfast or lunch.
The initiative is expected to improve the overall health and academic performance of the students.
The Chief Minister noted, "I have observed children coming to school without breakfast and remaining until noon without lunch. This situation led us to initially provide eggs and meals twice a week. Now, with the support of the Azim Premji Foundation, we will extend this to four additional days each week, ensuring that all students, whether in government or aided schools, receive nutritious food regularly."
The Azim Premji Foundation, renowned for its work in enhancing public education systems across India, will coordinate with the Commissioner of School Education and Literacy (CSE) to ensure the quality and timely delivery of eggs.
The program will cover approximately 55 lakh students from Grade 1 to Grade 10.
The addition of eggs to the mid-day meals is expected to have a profound impact on the nutritional status of students, aiding their physical and cognitive development.
Eggs are rich in essential proteins and minerals, which are crucial for growth and learning.
Siddaramaiah also reaffirmed the government's commitment to improving educational opportunities for underprivileged children, mentioning ongoing efforts to provide uniforms, shoes, and expand residential schools.
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