3 hrs ago
West Bengal Expands Improved PM POSHAN Meals to One Lakh
West Bengal is improving school meals for children through the PM POSHAN scheme.
Starting October 1, the meals will reach one lakh students.
At present, about 45,000 students receive these meals.
The programme first began with around 30,000 students in August.
Annamrita Foundation, an organisation associated with ISKCON, cooks the food in central kitchens.
The government says the meals are prepared hygienically and contain required calories and protein.
Some people have complained about late deliveries and vegetarian food.
The government later arranged for eggs to be given separately, and it plans to eventually include all government and government-aided schools.
West Bengal will expand improved-quality PM POSHAN meals to one lakh students from October 1.
The programme currently serves 45,000 students, up from an initial 30,000 beneficiaries.
Annamrita Foundation, associated with ISKCON, prepares and delivers meals through centralised modern kitchens.
The initiative began at select Kolkata schools on August 1 and is planned for gradual statewide expansion.
The programme has faced criticism over delivery delays and vegetarian meals, while eggs are now provided separately.
- Who
- The West Bengal government, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, Annamrita Foundation and ISKCON are involved.
- What
- The state is expanding improved-quality PM POSHAN meals from 45,000 to one lakh students.
- Where
- The initiative began in select schools in Kolkata and is being extended across West Bengal.
- When
- The next expansion is scheduled for October 1; the programme began on August 1.
- Why
- The government says it aims to provide nutritious food and reduce hunger and malnutrition among schoolchildren.
Government and Programme Supporters
Critics and Concerned Observers
Food quality and hygiene
Government and Programme Supporters
The West Bengal government says centralised kitchens provide high-quality, balanced and nutritious food through automated and hygienic processes while meeting calorie and protein standards.
Critics and Concerned Observers
Critics have raised concerns about the implementation, including reported delays in delivering meals to schools.
Vegetarian meals
Government and Programme Supporters
The programme provides centrally prepared vegetarian meals, and the government has separately arranged for eggs to be provided to students.
Critics and Concerned Observers
The provision of vegetarian meals has drawn criticism as part of wider concerns about the meal arrangement.
Expansion of the programme
Government and Programme Supporters
The government says the initial results justified expansion and that it plans to eventually cover students in every government and government-aided school.
Critics and Concerned Observers
The reported delivery delays and meal-related criticism raise questions about expanding the arrangement before all implementation concerns are resolved.
Key facts
- Current beneficiaries
- 45,000 students
- Next target
- One lakh students from October 1
- Initial coverage
- Nearly 30,000 students from August 1
- Meal provider
- Annamrita Foundation, an associate organisation of ISKCON
- Meal preparation
- Centralised modern kitchens using automated and hygienic processes
- Original launch area
- Select schools in Kolkata
- Reported concerns
- Delays in food delivery and the provision of vegetarian meals
Quotes
Suvendu Adhikari
West Bengal Chief Minister who announced the meal programme’s expansion
“Based on the initial success, the state government expanded the scope of the service to include another 15,000 students. As a result, a total of 45,000 students are currently benefiting from improved-quality midday meals.”
telegraphindia.com
“The West Bengal government is always committed to eliminating hunger and malnutrition at the school level and building a strong foundation for the healthy body, sharp intellect and bright future of every child.”
telegraphindia.com
Sources
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