K'taka mid-day meal scheme: 6 days of eggs a week has led to increased school attendance, says DSEL
Bengaluru: Karnataka government’s initiative to provide eggs six days a week as an additional nutrient in the mid-day meal scheme has led to a significant increase in school attendance, according to the Department of School Education and Literacy (DSEL).
Officials stated that when eggs were previously provided twice a week, student attendance was at 93.5 percent, as reported by The Hindu. However, since the introduction of eggs six days a week, attendance has risen to an impressive 98.97 percent. Furthermore, the number of children eating eggs has increased by about four times compared to the number of students eating bananas — the other additional nutrient being provided in schools.
To combat malnutrition among school children, eggs, bananas, and groundnut chikkis have been distributed as supplementary nutrients along with mid-day meals in government and aided schools for students from Classes 1 to 10. With support from the Azim Premji Foundation for Development (APF), the state started providing eggs six days a week in September 2024. Students who do not consume eggs have been given bananas and chikkis. However, the government recently stopped distributing chikkis due to concerns about their quality.
“It has been observed that children’s attendance in schools has increased as eggs and bananas are being provided six days a week. This is a good development, as not only will malnutrition in children be reduced, but they will also develop academically,” K.V. Trilok Chandra, Commissioner, DPI, was quoted as saying by The Hindu.
In terms of regional consumption, Kolar Educational District recorded the highest percentage of students consuming eggs at 84.16 percent, followed by Kodagu (83.89 percent), Hassan (81.26 percent), and Chikkamagaluru (79.49 percent), added the report.
On the other hand, Chikkodi Educational District had the lowest number of children consuming eggs, at 30.97 percent, followed by Belagavi (41.78 percent) and Bengaluru North (41.19 percent).
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Fire in stationary coach of Hyderabad-Jaipur Special Train; no casualties
Hyderabad (PTI): A fire was noticed in an empty coach of the Hyderabad–Jaipur Special Train at the railway station here on Friday evening as it was being brought to a platform for departure.
No passengers were inside the train, and no injuries were reported. The fire was brought under control immediately. The affected coaches have been detached, the Secunderabad-headquartered South Central Railway said.
The train was being brought to the platform at 18:45 hours for its scheduled departure at 19:50 hours, it said.
