The State government has decided to introduce the mid-day meal scheme not just in Intermediate colleges, but in all government-run degree colleges, and polytechnic ones as well as those offering vocational courses.
The government aims to supply nutritious food to students in these colleges spread across 31 districts in the State through Akshaya Patra Foundation and the Foundation has accordingly been asked to put in place the amenities and infrastructure required for handling the task.
The Cabinet Committee headed by Deputy Chief Minister Kadiyam Srihari held discussions with the representatives of the Foundation in this regard on Friday.
In addition to Mr. Srihari, Ministers Eatala Rajender, T. Harish Rao, A. Indrakaran Reddy and Jogu Ramanna accompanied by senior officials tasted the food being supplied by the Foundation. The Foundation representatives informed the Cabinet panel that Akshaya Patra was implementing Annapurna scheme since the past four years without giving scope for any complaints. The Foundation has dedicated kitchens at Kandi, Narsingi, Kothagudem, Warangal and Mahabubnagar and it is in the process of setting up six more kitchens in different parts of the State.
Mr. Srihari wanted the Foundation to prepare a detailed report on the food items that would be provided to students as well as the estimated cost that would be incurred in the process by April 6. The report would be forwarded to Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao, who would take a final decision on the issue. The Foundation should also conduct a trial run of the scheme in selected institutions before the full-fledged implementation of the scheme.
The Foundation representatives told the Ministers that they would follow the suggestions and ensure that a report was submitted on the requirements and cost within four days.
Education Department Special Chief Secretary Ranjeev R. Acharya, Higher Education Commissioner Naveen Mittal and other senior officials were present.