Telangana Launches India’s First Dual Meal Scheme (Img: Internet)
New Delhi: Telangana is preparing to launch a first-of-its-kind Telangana Breakfast And Mid-Day Meal Scheme for Intermediate students studying in government and aided junior colleges. Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy is scheduled to officially introduce the scheme on June 12, making Telangana the first state in India to provide both breakfast and mid-day meals to students at the Intermediate level.
While several states currently offer meal programmes for school students, Telangana’s move extends nutritional support beyond Class 10, targeting students pursuing higher secondary education in government institutions.
Officials said the Telangana Student Meal Scheme has been designed following recommendations from the National Institute of Nutrition (NIN). The aim is to improve the nutritional intake of students, particularly those from financially weaker families, and support their academic performance and overall well-being.
According to officials, the government recognised that many Intermediate students often struggle with Nutrition Scheme Telangana, which can affect concentration, attendance and continuation of studies. The initiative is expected to address these concerns while also encouraging more students to complete their education.
The state government plans to spend nearly Rs 80 crore on the Breakfast Scheme Telangana and around Rs 100 crore on the mid-day meal scheme annually.
Authorities estimate that over 41,000 students will receive meals on the first day of implementation. Once all Government Junior Colleges Telangana reopen and attendance becomes regular, the number of beneficiaries is expected to rise to nearly 1.92 lakh first- and second-year Intermediate students across Telangana.
Officials noted that a large number of students enrolled in government and aided colleges belong to Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, minority communities and economically weaker sections. Financial pressures often force many students to discontinue their education after Class 10 to support their families through work.
The government believes the new scheme could help reduce dropout rates, improve attendance and create better educational opportunities for vulnerable students.
Under the Telangana Breakfast And Mid-Day Meal Scheme, Students will receive meals such as dosa with chutney, millet idli with sambar, puri with vegetable kurma, bonda, idli and upma on different days of the week.
Additionally, 150 ml of milk will be served on alternate days to ensure balanced nutrition as part of the programme.
