Cooked mid-day meals prepared by ISKCON will begin to be served in government-run schools across Kolkata from August 1, following a review meeting of the state’s education department.

ISKCON Set to Roll Out Cooked Mid-Day Meals in Kolkata Schools

Kolkata: ISKCON will begin serving cooked mid-day meals in government-run schools across Kolkata from August 1, marking a significant change in the city’s school nutrition programme.

The announcement was made on Monday following a review meeting of the education department that focused on strengthening school infrastructure, improving student welfare, and enhancing the quality of education in the state.

The initiative aims to provide students with hygienic and nutritious meals while streamlining the implementation of the mid-day meal scheme in schools across the city.

Review Meeting Focuses on Education Reforms

The decision emerged from a high-level meeting attended by senior officials from the school and higher education departments. School Education Minister Dipak Barman, Higher Education Minister Jagannath Chattopadhyay, and other officials participated in the discussions.

The meeting reviewed a range of issues related to the functioning of educational institutions, including infrastructure upgrades, transparency in administration, and measures to improve facilities for students.

Officials also discussed plans to modernise schools and ensure that welfare schemes are implemented more effectively.

ISKCON to Oversee Meal Preparation

Under the new arrangement, ISKCON will take responsibility for preparing and supplying cooked meals to state-run schools in Kolkata.

The organisation has previously been associated with similar food distribution programmes in different parts of the country and is expected to provide meals in accordance with nutritional and hygiene standards laid down by the authorities.

The rollout is scheduled to begin on August 1 and is expected to benefit thousands of students enrolled in government schools.

Push for Better Nutrition and Hygiene

The expansion of the mid-day meal programme is part of broader efforts to improve the learning environment in schools and support student well-being.

Authorities have stressed the importance of providing nutritious food in clean conditions, particularly for children from economically weaker sections. The initiative is also expected to complement ongoing efforts to upgrade school infrastructure and public services.

Officials believe that better nutrition can contribute to improved attendance, stronger academic performance, and healthier development among students.

Broader Changes Planned in the Education Sector

The review meeting also examined proposals related to infrastructure development and administrative reforms in schools.

Among the measures under consideration are improvements to sanitation facilities, access to safe drinking water, and the introduction of modern technologies in educational institutions.

The government has indicated that additional reforms aimed at enhancing the quality of education and student welfare will be implemented in phases.

Why This Matters

Mid-day meal programmes play a crucial role in supporting school attendance and child nutrition. The inclusion of organisations such as ISKCON in meal preparation is expected to strengthen food distribution systems and improve the quality of services provided to students.

The initiative also reflects the growing emphasis on combining educational reforms with measures that promote student health and well-being.

Key Takeaways

• ISKCON will begin serving cooked mid-day meals in Kolkata’s government schools from August 1.
• The decision was announced after a review meeting of the education department.
• Senior officials discussed education reforms and school infrastructure upgrades.
• The initiative aims to provide nutritious and hygienic meals to students.
• The rollout forms part of broader efforts to improve student welfare.

Category: West Bengal | Education | Welfare