Hyderabad: Midday Meal Scheme to Cover Govt Junior Colleges

 Hyderabad: The Telangana government is planning to extend the midday meal scheme to government junior colleges across the state. This initiative is expected to benefit around 1.7 lakh first and second year students studying in 425 government junior colleges.

Towards this, the education department has directed the secretary of Telangana Board of Intermediate Education (TGBIE) to submit proposals for implementing the scheme in junior colleges.

A TGBIE official said “The primary aim is to attract more students to junior colleges and reduce dropout rates. Additionally, the midday meal program is seen as a step towards strengthening the physical and mental well-being of students, who can be better prepared for examinations.”

He added, “It will be particularly beneficial in the rural areas as we can expect more enrollments and it will help create a more competitive academic environment.”

The government has already extended midday meals to students in welfare department hostels and gurukuls.

Observing the positive impact, Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has decided to expand the programme to government junior colleges to boost attendance and improve academic outcomes.