The state government has approved supplementary nutritional items for students from Nursery to Class VIII twice a week by amending the Mukhya Mantri Bal Paushtik Aahaar Yojna.
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said the initiative was aimed at improving the health, nutrition and overall well-being of children studying in government schools. The nutritional top-up would supplement the regular mid-day meal and provide additional dietary support for healthy growth and development.
Under the amended scheme, students will be served either a boiled egg or fresh fruit, preferably banana or apple, twice a week, preferably on Wednesday and Friday. The choice will be based on the preference of students or their guardians. Earlier, the supplementary items were provided once a week.
Sukhu said effective monitoring, community participation and strict adherence to food safety standards would be essential for the successful implementation of the initiative. He directed the concerned departments and field functionaries to ensure that only fresh and quality nutritional items were supplied to students, while maintaining hygiene, transparency and accountability.
The government has also issued directions to ensure proper food safety and hygiene. Eggs and fruits must be fresh, clean and of good quality and stored under hygienic conditions. Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) guidelines and norms will be followed during the procurement, storage, preparation and distribution of the supplementary nutritional items.