Four students from KGBV Kakori take symbolic charge as Mid-Day Meal Authority directors for a day in Lucknow, raising key concerns about school food safety, kitchen hygiene and nutrition under Mission Shakti. (Images: X)
Lucknow: Four schoolgirls from Lucknow stepped into the shoes of senior administrators , getting a first-hand experience of decision-making and governance under the Uttar Pradesh government's Mission Shakti campaign. The students took symbolic charge as directors at the Mid-Day Meal Authority, using the opportunity to raise concerns about food quality, kitchen hygiene and children's health in schools.
The initiative aims to empower girls by building their confidence, leadership skills and understanding of administrative responsibilities.
Muskan and Sarita of Class 8, along with Sakshi of Class 8 and Radhika of Class 7, study at Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya (KGBV) in Kakori, Lucknow. During their visit to the Mid-Day Meal Authority, the students occupied the director's chair for a day and shared their ideas on improving the school meal programme.
Mid-Day Meal Authority Director Prem Ranjan Singh interacted with the students, explained aspects of departmental functioning and listened to their recommendations. The exercise gave the girls an opportunity to understand how administrative decisions can influence public services and the everyday lives of schoolchildren.
During the interaction, the students highlighted the need to maintain cleanliness in kitchen sheds at council-run schools and Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas. They stressed that meals served to children should be fresh, nutritious and prepared in hygienic conditions. The students also recommended regular training for cooks, particularly on food hygiene and nutrition management. They suggested preparing meals according to student enrolment, ensuring adequate nutritional value in the prescribed menu and promoting modern kitchen facilities to improve food preparation standards.
Another concern raised during the discussion was the need for prompt first aid when children fall ill at school. Their suggestions reflected a broader focus on creating safer school environments alongside improving the quality of mid-day meals.
The programme is part of Mission Shakti, an initiative aimed at strengthening women's and girls' empowerment in Uttar Pradesh. By giving students a glimpse of administrative responsibilities, the exercise seeks to encourage independent thinking, confidence, decision-making and social responsibility.
Such activities can also help students understand the role of public institutions and inspire them to consider careers in administration and public service.
Prem Ranjan Singh appreciated the students' confidence, leadership qualities and practical suggestions. He emphasised that initiatives of this kind help girls understand administrative systems and prepare them to take on greater responsibilities in the future. The director also assured the students that their concerns regarding kitchen cleanliness and food nutrition would receive attention. He said a special cleanliness drive was being undertaken across the state to improve hygiene in school kitchen sheds and support the provision of safe and nutritious meals.
The initiative highlights how student participation can bring fresh perspectives to public service delivery while giving young girls an opportunity to experience leadership beyond the classroom.
