Why in news:

• The state government of Himachal Pradesh has launched the Mukhyamantri Bal Paushtik Aahar Yojana. It is a significant initiative aimed at enhancing the nutritional intake of schoolchildren in government-run institutions.

Key Points:

• This program is particularly focused on children from nursery to Class 8, targeting over 5 lakh students across the state.

Objectives:

The primary goals of the Mukhyamantri Bal Paushtik Aahar Yojana include:

• Supplementing nutritional needs: The scheme aims to provide additional nutrition to children who are already benefiting from the existing midday meal program. It specifically targets those who may not receive adequate nutrition at home.
• Promoting healthy eating habits: By introducing boiled eggs or fruits once a week, the initiative encourages children to adopt healthier eating habits.
• Local sourcing: Schools will procure fresh fruits from local markets, ensuring that the food provided is not only nutritious but also supports local farmers and businesses.

The scheme has been inaugurated by the Chief Minister in Hamirpur. The program will cover approximately 15,181 schools in Himachal Pradesh, impacting around 534,293 children currently enrolled in government schools. The state government in this regard has allocated an additional ?12.75 crore for this initiative in the current fiscal year. This funding will help ensure that the program is sustainable and can effectively meet its objectives.

In conjunction with this nutritional initiative, the government is also focusing on improving educational standards. Approximately 17,510 primary school teachers will receive tablets to facilitate digital learning and administrative efficiency. This move is part of a broader strategy to modernize educational methods and enhance professional development for teachers.

Broader educational reforms

The Mukhyamantri Bal Paushtik Aahar Yojana is part of a larger educational reform agenda by the Himachal Pradesh government. Other initiatives include:

• Sending teachers on exposure visits abroad to gain insights into global education practices.
• Establishing Rajiv Gandhi Day Boarding Schools in every assembly constituency to strengthen educational infrastructure.
• A commitment to ensure no shortage of funds for providing quality education to the students across government run educational institutions throughout the state.