ISKCON to provide midday meals in schools in Kolkata, parts of Bengal from Aug 1: Suvendu Adhikari

ISKCON to Provide Midday Meals in Kolkata, Parts of Bengal

ISKCON to provide midday meals in schools - Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has announced that ISKCON will commence a midday meal program in Kolkata and other regions of West Bengal starting August 1. This initiative follows a high-level meeting with state education ministers and senior officials from the Union education ministry, aiming to address nutritional needs and support educational accessibility for students. The program is expected to benefit a significant number of learners across primary and upper primary schools, ensuring they receive wholesome meals during the academic day.

Program Expansion and Funding Adjustments

As part of the initiative, the per-student allocation for midday meals in primary schools will increase from ₹6.78 to ₹10. This adjustment is designed to enhance the quality and variety of meals, with a focus on improving student health and academic performance. Adhikari emphasized that the program will complement existing schemes like the Centre-sponsored PM POSHAN scheme, which will provide an additional ₹3.22 per student per day for cooking expenses. The combined funding will ensure that pre-primary and primary students receive a total of ₹10 per day for meals, aligning with the focus keyword: ISKCON to provide midday meals.

"ISKCON to provide midday meals is a strategic move to ensure children are well-fed and prepared for learning," Adhikari stated during the meeting at Bikash Bhavan. "We are committed to making education a priority, and this program will play a vital role in achieving that goal."

The initiative includes a comprehensive plan to cover all levels of the education system, from primary schools to universities. Adhikari highlighted that the discussions during the meeting addressed the need for modernizing education while maintaining affordability. By increasing the per-student funding, the government aims to reduce classroom hunger and improve overall student well-being, reinforcing the ISKCON to provide midday meals commitment.

Key to the program's success is the collaboration between ISKCON and state education authorities. The composite grants will be distributed to primary, upper primary, and high schools, ensuring that resources are allocated efficiently. This follows a three-year gap in funding due to previous policies, and the new allocation will cover approximately 81,000 schools across the state. Adhikari confirmed that the ISKCON to provide midday meals program will be implemented with strict oversight to maintain quality and transparency.

Infrastructure and Health Measures

Alongside the midday meal initiative, additional measures are being introduced to improve the learning environment. These include the installation of fans in schools located in Birbhum, Bankura, Purba Bardhaman, Paschim Bardhaman, Purulia, and Jhargram, where extreme summer heat has been a challenge. Sanitary napkin vending machines will also be