The Siddaramaiah government is poised to sign a MoU with the Azim Premji Foundation on Saturday, 20 July, outlining a three-year partnership.
Published Jul 16, 2024 | 3:47 PM ⚊ Updated Jul 16, 2024 | 3:47 PM
File photo of students having a midday meal. (Supplied)
In a welcome development, the Karnataka government on Tuesday, 16 July, announced that they will soon begin distributing six eggs a week for each child, as part of the midday meal programme. Previously, two eggs a week were provided for each child under the same programme.
The government is working in collaboration with the Azim Premji Foundation, to fulfil the said promise.
The Siddaramaiah government is poised to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Azim Premji Foundation on Saturday, 20 July, outlining a three-year partnership wherein the foundation will allocate ₹1,500 crore to fund the distribution of eggs to school children in state-run schools.
Minister for School Education and Literacy Madhu Bangarappa told reporters: “The department used to provide only two eggs for a week. The eggs will be provided to students for all six days a week from now onwards.”
“We are tying up with the Azim Premji Foundation on 20 July. In the presence of the Chief Minister and Businessman and Philanthropist Azim Premji an MoU will be signed,” Bangarappa added that the government will immediately implement it.
“Azim Premji Foundation is giving ₹1,500 crore—in accordance with the number of eggs being distributed— to the Department of School Education and Literacy,” Bangarappa said, adding it is a proud achievement for the government.
Bangarappa further recalled, “When I took charge, the department used to provide only one egg, to students up to class 8, but we extended it to class 10, and also increased the count to two eggs a week.”
“Now, we have increased it to six days a week. While the MoU will be signed for a period of three years, if it is implemented properly with positive outcomes, the government will think of renewing the MoU,” added Bangarappa.
Furthermore, he stated: “We have developed a program for Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds, with a parallel focus on nutrition.”
He emphasized that nutrition is a top priority for the government, particularly for children.
“To address this, programs such as midday meals and nutritious food provision in Anganwadis have been implemented,” stated the minister.
Noting that the government is now additionally providing Ragi malt daily to 55 lakh children every morning, Bangarappa said the government is making all efforts to ensure children receive proper nutrition.
(Edited by Sumavarsha Kandula)
