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In a significant stride towards educational welfare, the tribal-dominated Sundargarh district in Odisha is gearing up to provide mid-day meals (MDM) to approximately 45,000 high school students. The district administration, under the national MDM program now known as PM-POSHAN, has diligently worked to address the demands of ensuring nutritious meals for high school students hailing from economically challenged backgrounds.

Key Developments in the Initiative

The Sundargarh district, with approval and funding from the District Mineral Foundation (DMF), is set to become a pioneer in extending MDM coverage to high school students. This marks a progressive move as the initiative gains momentum after Jharsuguda, making Sundargarh the second district in Odisha to implement the program with DMF support.

The Sundargarh collector, Parag Harshad Gavali, shared during the Sundargarh Zilla Parishad meeting on November 21, 2023, that provisions were being made to provide nutritious mid-day meals to Class IX and X students. This move is a testament to the district administration’s commitment to fostering the well-being and academic success of its students.

Seamless Implementation Process

To ensure a smooth and efficient rollout, associated activities such as opening separate bank accounts by schools, engaging cook-cum-helpers, and procuring utensils by certain schools are expected to be completed within a week. The district education officer and district project coordinator for Samagra Siksha Abhiyan, AK Pradhan, emphasized that the necessary arrangements, including additional allotment of rice for Class IX and X students, have already been made.

Akshay Patra Foundation’s Central Kitchen Initiative

A notable aspect of this initiative is the collaboration with the Akshay Patra Foundation, which will play a crucial role in catering to schools in Rourkela city and adjacent Bisra blocks. The central kitchen of the foundation will cover schools in these areas, streamlining the meal preparation process and ensuring uniformity in the quality of meals served.

Towards a Brighter Future

As Sundargarh sets the stage for the implementation of MDM for high school students, the initiative aligns with the broader vision of promoting education and addressing the nutritional needs of students from diverse socio-economic backgrounds. The specially-designed MDM scheme is anticipated to be launched within a week to a fortnight, ushering in a positive change for the students of Sundargarh district.

In conclusion, the collaborative efforts of the district administration, educational authorities, and the support from organizations like the Akshay Patra Foundation showcase a commitment to nurturing the holistic development of students in Sundargarh. This initiative not only addresses the immediate nutritional requirements but also contributes to creating a conducive environment for learning and growth.

MDM coverage

  • 45,000 high school students of 384 government high schools to be covered
  • Funds approval from the District Mineral Foundation
  • Opening of separate bank accounts by schools
  • Engagement of cook-cum-helpers and procurement of utensils to be completed in a week

  • Additional allotment of rice for Class IX and X students made

  • Schools of Rourkela city and adjacent Bisra blocks would be covered with the central kitchen of the Akshay Patra Foundation

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