TN Mid-day meal scheme gets appreciation from HRD

Updated on: Thursday, December 01, 2011

After lauding the State government's nutritious mid-day meal scheme for children, a team from the Union Human Resource Ministry, which made detailed study of the programme in Tamil Nadu, has suggested that the menu could be made smart by adding grains such as millet and ragi.

Rita Chatterjee, Joint Secretary, MHRD, who headed the team suggested that instead of serving rice and sambar everyday, as it would be boring for the children eating the same menu all through the year, more varieties could be introduced such as millets and ragi, provided it is practical and suits the taste of children.

The team, which is touring various states to review the system of fund flow, payment of cost of food grains and infrastructure at noon meal centres, among others, visited three districts Namakkal, Krishnagiri and Vellore.

Appreciating the scheme, Ms. Chatterjee said there are many lessons that other states could learn from Tamil Nadu. The quality of rice, meticulous maintenance of record books and state of kitchens received special mention.

The team also suggested the Department of Social Welfare and Nutritious Meal Programme to include improving community participation and packaging of food grains. “We noticed that when sacks of food grains reach school much is lost, FCI should take up packaging to ensure there is minimal loss in the process,” Ms. Chatterjee added.

Senior state officials said the suggestions are welcome and the modalities on bringing in more variety in the menu can be worked out.

The current menu includes white rice, vegetable sambar, and boiled egg served all five working days of the week. On Friday potatoes are also included in the menu.

TN Mid-day meal scheme gets appreciation from HRD

More Education news