Jharkhand govt rolls out ‘Tithi Bhojan’ to improve midday meal nutrition

RANCHI: The state school education and literacy department has initiated a special programme, "Tithi Bhojan", under Pradhan Mantri Poshan Yojan, as part of which general public can donate ingredients for meals in government schools.
'Tithi Bhojan' is when on a particular 'tithi' (date), or special occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries or festivals, members from the general public provide nutrition packed meals, or additional components to the midday meal for children. The school management committee and teachers will conduct awareness campaigns in this regard. The school will also be required to document the arrangements and will have to submit the report to the department.
Nodal officer for midday meal, Kameshwar Singh said, “All block education extension officers have received the guidelines about Tithi Bhojan. The programme has already begun this month. The report will be collected from schools beginning January, 2023. The schools will be required to maintain the name of the person who will provide food and other supplies. The Tithi Bhojan has been started so that individuals can assist pupils on their special day and contribute to the school administration for this programme.”
“On any special day, a person can donate provisions for supplementary nutrition for schoolchildren. The school's cook and co-cook will prepare them for the children during midday meal,” Singh added.
In accordance with the department’s directive, Tithi Bhojan will be served exclusively as supplemental nourishment along with midday meal so as to ensure that a student’s nutritional needs are met. The school's cook and assistant cook will be responsible for preparing the meal. The children will receive the food half an hour of tasting the dish.
“After 30 minutes of tasting, food will be served. Tithi Bhojan will only be provided on school grounds. Special consideration will be given to the health and safety of the children. Representatives of the school's administration including rasoiya, sanyojika and teachers will be required to sample the cuisine first,” Singh.