The Azim Premji Foundation has inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Karnataka government to improve the nutritional value of mid-day meals given in government and government-aided schools throughout the state over the next three years.
“Azim Premji Foundation today entered a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Karnataka to support the nutritional. enrichment of the state government’s mid-day meal program in government and government-aided schools for three years,” reads the announcement. To provide nutritional enrichment, eggs will be included to the midday meal for 55 lakh pupils in these schools, ranging from Grade 1 to Grade 10. As is widely known, Eggs include a wide range of vital nutritional components, including proteins and minerals.
Currently, the state government’s midday meal program provides eggs to pupils on two days per week. The Foundation’s assistance will allow for the provision of eggs on all six days of the school week, significantly improving student nutrition. According to the statement, children who do not consume eggs due to cultural choices will receive an alternate high-nutrition supplement.
This effort will improve schoolchildren’s nutritional status while also contributing to their physical and cognitive development. The Foundation works extensively throughout the country to improve the quality and equity of the public education system.
“The Foundation will work closely with the Commissioner of School Education and Literacy (CSE) to implement mechanisms to ensure high- quality eggs are delivered to each child in the schools covered by the program.”