SLUG: MUKHYAMANTRI PAUSHTIK APLAHAR YOJANA
Gandhinagar: The state government launched the ‘Mukhyamantri Paushtik Aplahar Yojana' on Monday, which is aimed at providing protein-enriched nutritious snacks to primary school students. The govt said that around 41 lakh students in 32,000 schools will benefit from the scheme.
An official statement stated that the nutritious snacks menu for students has been designed to include traditional and healthy items. It will include Sukhdi, a local sweet made with wheat flour, jaggery, and ghee, which provides essential calories. The inclusion of roasted peanuts adds protein and healthy fats to students' diets. Chana chaat and mixed pulses offer additional protein sources while incorporating tasty and familiar food items, the statement added.
The integration of millet into the menu aligns with sustainable and nutritious food choices. Millets are rich in minerals, fibres, and other micronutrients essential for growing children. This menu ensures students receive balanced nutrition throughout their school day, the statement said.
These snacks will be provided during morning prayer to help students start their day with energy, while the afternoon supplements will complement the midday meal programme. This consistent nutritional support throughout the day aims to enhance students' concentration and learning capabilities.
The govt said that the programme will particularly benefit students in tribal areas and developing talukas, where nutritional needs may be more pressing. The combination with existing schemes like Doodh Sanjeevani Yojana will provide a multi-layered approach to student nutrition, the statement added.
"The focus on both nutrition and education (poshan bhi, padhai bhi) recognises the link between proper nourishment and academic performance. This holistic approach aims to create a stronger foundation for students' overall development and future success," the statement said.