Government introduces ragi malt in midday meals; plans school expansion, seeks corporate support

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru: In a new initiative, the Karnataka government has announced the inclusion of ragi malt once every 10 days in the midday meal program for schoolchildren.

This addition comes alongside the provision of two eggs per week and milk, benefiting over one crore children in government and government-aided schools.

The ragi malt packets have received certification from the Central Food Technological Research Institute.

Education Minister Madhu Bangarappa stated that the government is allocating Rs 160 crore for the provision of extra eggs, and the education department is seeking corporate assistance through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives to enhance facilities and address additional expenses in government schools.

Additionally, the government aims to establish 500 Karnataka public schools within a year and an additional 3,000 schools over the next five years, addressing demand at the panchayat level.

This initiative includes providing free power and drinking water to all schools and facilitating the integration of computer labs, science laboratories, and NEET coaching centres.

Despite the positive steps, concerns persist over the release of funds under Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, with students from Karnataka receiving only Rs 2,400 instead of the allocated Rs 5,400. The state is awaiting Rs 1,700 crore in arrears.