Himachal Pradesh Launches Nutrition Scheme for Schoolchildren

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu introduced the Mukhyamantri Bal Paushtik Aahar Yojana, focusing on providing nutritious food to students in government schools. The scheme complements the existing midday meal program and includes boiled eggs or fruits weekly. Additional initiatives include digital tools for teachers and international exposure trips.

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu unveiled the Mukhyamantri Bal Paushtik Aahar Yojana on Sunday, aimed at providing nutritious food to children in government-run schools.

During the launch event in Hamirpur, Sukhu stated that the initiative would complement the existing midday meal scheme and is targeted at students from nursery to Class 8 in 15,181 schools. Under this scheme, schoolchildren will receive boiled eggs or fruits once a week.

'Currently, about 5.34 lakh children benefit from the midday meal scheme, and they will now receive additional nutrition under the new initiative,' Sukhu noted. He also mentioned that schools would source fresh fruits from local markets based on children's preferences.

The state government has allocated an additional Rs 12.75 crore for the scheme this fiscal year. Furthermore, Sukhu announced that approximately 17,510 primary school teachers would receive tablets as part of the government's effort to modernize teaching methods and administrative processes. 'This initiative aims to enhance the overall quality of education by equipping teachers with digital tools,' he said.

Sukhu criticized the previous BJP government, claiming that the state fell to 18th place in education quality rankings during their tenure. 'Since our government took office, significant steps have been taken to improve academic standards,' he added.

Sukhu detailed that his government is working on multiple levels to enhance education. 'There will be no shortage of funds for providing quality education. We are sending teachers on exposure visits abroad, with 217 teachers visiting Singapore in the first phase. Additionally, Rajiv Gandhi Day Boarding Schools are being established in every assembly constituency to strengthen infrastructure,' the Chief Minister explained.

'Teachers bring about change and inspire progress, making their responsibility significant,' Sukhu concluded.