Archive · 1 Aug 2025
Gujarat to Launch Centralized Kitchens to Improve School Meals
The government in Gujarat is starting a new program to help kids in school eat better.
They're building big kitchens to cook healthy lunches for over 16 lakh students.
These kitchens will be in different areas, and the food will get to schools quickly.
The goal is to fight malnutrition, which means some kids aren't getting enough nutrients.
They're hoping the new program, combined with breakfast, will make kids healthier.
The government is also working with different groups to run these kitchens.
Some kids are shorter, thinner, or weigh less than they should, and this program hopes to help improve those statistics.
Gujarat government is launching a centralized kitchen scheme to address malnutrition in schools.
The project will cost approximately Rs 900 crore, with an additional Rs 200 crore annual operational expenditure.
The scheme aims to provide high-nutrition mid-day meals to over 16 lakh students in 66 talukas.
Cluster mapping ensures meals reach schools within 90 minutes of cooking, with non-government agencies managing operations.
Malnutrition indicators include stunted, wasted, and underweight children, with varying percentages across the state.
- Who
- The Gujarat government, non-government agencies, and over 16 lakh students.
- What
- Gujarat is launching a centralized kitchen scheme for midday meals to address malnutrition.
- When
- The scheme is set to launch soon, as per the report.
- Where
- Gujarat government schools, focusing on 66 talukas.
- Why
- To address malnutrition and improve the health and attendance of government school students.
- Project Cost
- Rs 900 crore (capital) + Rs 200 crore (annual)
- Students Affected
- Over 16 lakh
- Talukas Covered
- 66 (46 tribal, 20 non-tribal)
- Meal Delivery Time
- Within 90 minutes
- Agencies Involved
- Nearly 15 non-government agencies
- Existing Centralized Kitchens
- 10 in operation
- Stunted Children (June 2024)
- 39.73%