The Telangana government will soon roll out a Breakfast Scheme for Anganwadi children across the state, after a successful pilot in Hyderabad showed a 30% increase in attendance.
What is the Breakfast Scheme?
The Telangana government is set to launch a statewide Breakfast Scheme for all Anganwadi children, aiming to improve both attendance and nutrition levels.
State Women and Child Development Minister Danasari Anasuya (Seethakka) announced the initiative after a successful pilot project in 139 Anganwadi centres in Hyderabad, which recorded a 30% increase in attendance.
Key Features of the Scheme
- Nutritious Morning Meal: Children enrolled in Anganwadis will be provided a healthy breakfast every morning.
- Improved Attendance: The pilot program proved that a morning meal encouraged more children to attend Anganwadi centres regularly.
- Better Child Development: Nutritious food in early childhood boosts both physical and mental growth.
- Infrastructure Support: Along with the breakfast rollout, the government has also promised free sand supply for Anganwadi centres to improve facilities.
Why is this Scheme Important?
- Educational Engagement: A well-fed child is more likely to stay attentive and active during learning sessions.
- Combating Malnutrition: Many children in rural and underprivileged families skip breakfast, leading to poor nutrition.
- Community Empowerment: The initiative also strengthens Anganwadi services, benefitting women workers and the community at large.
Minister’s Statement
Minister Seethakka emphasized that no child should start their day hungry, adding that the government is committed to improving child nutrition and education outcomes through this initiative.
Conclusion
The Telangana Breakfast Scheme is a significant step towards improving child nutrition, reducing malnutrition, and increasing Anganwadi attendance. By combining food security with early education, Telangana is setting a strong example for holistic child welfare programs in India.