Chief Minister Siddaramaiah initiated the distribution of ragi malt to 55 lakh students in government and aided schools. This initiative is part of the midday meal program, focusing on providing nutritious millet malt to support the mental and physical health of school children. 

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The Chief Minister emphasized the crucial link between good nutrition and quality education, stating, “Good nutrition leads to good education.” Highlighting the importance of the millet malt distribution program, Siddaramaiah outlined its potential to improve the mental and physical health of children. The primary goal is to address issues such as anemia among students, fostering mental strength and agility in their academic pursuits. 

Source: The Hindu

During his address, Siddaramaiah recalled the positive impact of previous nutritional initiatives, citing the increase in milk production during the Congress government’s tenure in 2013. He specifically mentioned the Ksheerabhagya scheme, which provided milk to schoolchildren five days a week. The scheme, implemented through the Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF), not only ensured regular milk supply but also supported local farmers by compensating them for their contributions. In addition to the milk program, the government recently introduced a scheme to provide eggs to schoolchildren twice a week, as revealed in the last budget.

Source: Daijiworld.com

The Food Minister, KH Muniyappa, and Education Minister, Madhu Bangarappa, joined Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in launching the ragi malt distribution program. The presence of key officials underscored the collaborative effort to prioritize the health and nutrition of school children across the state. These initiatives align with the government’s broader commitment to creating an inclusive educational environment that benefits children from all backgrounds, including those from economically disadvantaged families, laborers, Dalits, and Shudras.