Telangana Expands School Breakfast Program to Reach 2.7 Million Students
Deputy CM Bhatti Vikramarka unveiled a new centralized kitchen in Khammam to support a statewide nutrition initiative. The program serves over 2.7 million students across government and residential schools through public-private partnerships.
Centralized Kitchen Operations Begin in Khammam
Telangana Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka formally opened a sophisticated community kitchen in Madhira town this Monday, marking a significant expansion of the state’s student nutrition strategy. Managed by the Hare Krishna Movement Charitable Foundation (HKMCF), this facility will supply daily breakfast to 44,107 students across 879 government schools within 16 mandals of the Khammam district. The infrastructure reflects a collaborative effort: the state government provided an 8,000 sq. ft. facility, while the Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL) financed the construction through its Corporate Social Responsibility funds.
Nutrition Strategy and State-Wide Logistics
The government aims to finalize permanent centralized kitchens throughout Telangana within the next three months. The broader initiative targets 20 lakh students in standard government schools and an additional seven lakh students in residential institutions. To optimize physical and cognitive growth, the ministry has established a specific dietary rotation:
- Milk distributions: Three days per week.
- Ragi malt servings: Three days per week.
- Hot breakfast: Served daily to all enrolled students.
Investment in Human Capital
During the inauguration, Vikramarka rejected the characterization of welfare initiatives as mere handouts. He argued that these programs constitute deliberate investments in human capital designed to bridge economic gaps for Dalits, tribals, and other marginalized communities. By securing consistent nutrition for 2.7 million students, the administration expects to see measurable improvements in learning outcomes and public health metrics. HKMCF president Satya Gaura Chandra Dasa Swamiji and Khammam Collector Divakara T.S. joined the Deputy CM to witness the launch of the new operational hub.
Source: The Hindu — Cities
