Telangana is set to become the first state in the country to provide both breakfast and mid-day meals to Intermediate students studying in government and aided junior colleges. Chief Minister A Revanth
Reddy is scheduled to formally launch the scheme on June 12.
While several states currently offer either breakfast or mid-day meals for school students, and neighbouring Andhra Pradesh has extended the mid-day meal scheme to Intermediate students, Telangana will be the first to introduce both meals together for this category of students, as reported by The Times Of India.
Scheme Designed On NIN Recommendations
Officials said the programme has been structured based on recommendations made by the National Institute of Nutrition (NIN) to ensure adequate nutritional support for Intermediate students. According to officials, the decision was taken after recognising the need for better nutrition among students from economically weaker backgrounds studying in government and aided colleges.
They noted that the mid-day meal scheme had so far been restricted largely to school students across the country, but the Telangana government decided to extend the benefits to Intermediate-level students as well.
Nearly Two Lakh Students Expected To Benefit
Officials estimate that around 41,250 students will participate in the scheme on the first day of implementation on June 12.
Once colleges resume and attendance stabilises, nearly 1.92 lakh first- and second-year Intermediate students are expected to receive breakfast and mid-day meals daily under the initiative.
The state government is planning to allocate around Rs 80 crore for the breakfast scheme and another Rs 100 crore towards providing mid-day meals for Intermediate students.
Focus On Students From Economically Weaker Sections
A majority of students enrolled in government and aided junior colleges belong to Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), minority communities and economically weaker sections. Officials said financial difficulties often force many students to discontinue their education after Class 10 and take up employment to support their families.
The government believes the new nutrition programme could help improve attendance, reduce dropouts and support students in continuing higher secondary education.
Weekly Breakfast Menu Announced
Additionally, the Telangana government has finalised a weekly breakfast menu for students under the scheme.
| Day | Breakfast Menu |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Dosa with chutney |
| Day 2 | Millet idli with sambar |
| Day 3 | Puri with mixed vegetable kurma |
| Day 4 | Bonda with chutney |
| Day 5 | Idli with chutney |
| Day 6 | Upma with chutney or sambar |
Additionally, students will be provided with 150 ml of milk on alternate days as part of the nutrition plan.
