1 hr ago
Odisha Urged to Restore Double-Fortified Salt in School Meals
Many children in Odisha do not have enough iron in their bodies, a condition called anaemia.
Health experts want schools to use double-fortified salt in their meals.
This salt contains iron and iodine.
The school meal programme’s guidelines allow its use.
About 65 per cent of children in rural Odisha were reported to be anaemic.
Odisha had previously told schools to use this salt.
Experts say the practice may have stopped after a change in government.
They want the State to check the supply system and make sure children receive it regularly.
Health experts urged Odisha to resume double-fortified salt in PM POSHAN school meals.
Double-fortified salt contains iron and iodine and is recommended in central guidelines.
About 65 per cent of children in rural Odisha were cited as anaemic.
Odisha issued mandatory double-fortified salt instructions in 2016 and 2021.
Experts called for clarity on procurement and uninterrupted supplies to schools.
- Who
- Health experts, including Dr Ashok Acharya, urged the Odisha government to act.
- What
- Experts called for the restoration and uninterrupted use of double-fortified salt in school meals under PM POSHAN.
- Where
- Government schools participating in the PM POSHAN programme in Odisha.
- When
- Odisha issued related instructions in July 2016 and February 2021; procurement arrangements were discussed in February 2024.
- Why
- Experts said double-fortified salt can provide iron and iodine and help address widespread anaemia among children.
Experts’ Position
Administrative Status
Use in school meals
Experts’ Position
Health experts say double-fortified salt is a cost-effective way to provide iron and iodine through meals children eat daily.
Administrative Status
District administrations reportedly say they have not received fresh instructions from the State government after the change of government.
Procurement and implementation
Experts’ Position
Experts want Odisha to clarify the procurement position and immediately ensure uninterrupted supplies wherever PM POSHAN requires them.
Administrative Status
Odisha previously reported that pulses, double-fortified salt and fortified oil were being procured centrally, but the article says it is unclear whether that arrangement remains operational.
Key facts
- Affected population
- Around 65 per cent of children in rural Odisha were cited as anaemic in National Family Health Survey-5 data.
- Fortified salt
- Double-fortified salt contains iron and iodine.
- School programme
- The intervention concerns meals prepared under the PM POSHAN programme.
- Previous instruction
- Odisha issued a School and Mass Education Department notification on July 27, 2016, followed by another communication in February 2021.
- Procurement claim
- Odisha reportedly told a Union education ministry meeting in February 2024 that double-fortified salt was procured centrally.
- Procurement agency
- The reported central procurement arrangement involved the Odisha State Civil Supplies Corporation.
- Health concern
- Experts linked anaemia with impaired growth, learning and overall development in children.
Quotes
Dr Ashok Acharya
Director of Hi-Tech Medical College and Hospital
“The objective should be simple — no child should lose the nutritional benefit of an intervention merely because of an administrative gap. The State should immediately review the position and ensure uninterrupted supply of double-fortified salt wherever it is mandated under PM POSHAN.”
deccanchronicle.com
“When anaemia among children remains a serious nutritional challenge, there is no reason to allow an established and cost-effective intervention to remain outside the school meal system. Double-fortified salt can provide both iron and iodine through a food item consumed every day.”
deccanchronicle.com
Sources
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