Govt introduces millet laddus in midday meals | Bhubaneswar News
Bhubaneswar: State govt introduced millet laddus in the midday meal scheme for schoolchildren from Tuesday.
The initiative is aimed at boosting the nutritional intake of students, while promoting the consumption of millets, known for its high protein and fibre content. Along with this, the govt also extended the midday meal scheme to students of classes 9 and 10 in govt and govt-aided schools from Tuesday. Previously, the scheme covered students only up to Class 8.
School and mass education minister Nityananda Gond said the inclusion of nutrition-rich millet laddus in midday meals is part of the state’s commitment to fighting malnutrition and ensuring better health for students. “Millets are a powerhouse of nutrition and an integral part of our traditional diet. By introducing laddus prepared with millet, groundnut, sesame and jaggery, we are not only improving students’ health but also supporting local millet farmers,” he said.
The decision to extend the midday meal scheme is expected to benefit over 12 lakh students across Odisha. Under the revised scheme, students of classes 9 and 10 will receive hot cooked meals at school, ensuring they get at least one nutritious meal a day.
“There was a discrepancy when all students, except those in classes 9 and 10, were having a noon meal in schools. This move will encourage more students to stay in school and focus on their studies without worrying about food,” Gond added.
The initiative is aimed at boosting the nutritional intake of students, while promoting the consumption of millets, known for its high protein and fibre content. Along with this, the govt also extended the midday meal scheme to students of classes 9 and 10 in govt and govt-aided schools from Tuesday. Previously, the scheme covered students only up to Class 8.
School and mass education minister Nityananda Gond said the inclusion of nutrition-rich millet laddus in midday meals is part of the state’s commitment to fighting malnutrition and ensuring better health for students. “Millets are a powerhouse of nutrition and an integral part of our traditional diet. By introducing laddus prepared with millet, groundnut, sesame and jaggery, we are not only improving students’ health but also supporting local millet farmers,” he said.
The decision to extend the midday meal scheme is expected to benefit over 12 lakh students across Odisha. Under the revised scheme, students of classes 9 and 10 will receive hot cooked meals at school, ensuring they get at least one nutritious meal a day.
“There was a discrepancy when all students, except those in classes 9 and 10, were having a noon meal in schools. This move will encourage more students to stay in school and focus on their studies without worrying about food,” Gond added.
