AP govt extends ragi porridge scheme for 3 years

Vijayawada: The Andhra Pradesh government has decided to extend the distribution of ragi porridge to students under the mid-day meal programme for another three years, aiming to improve nutritional intake across government and aided schools.The decision was formalised through a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed between the school education department and Sri Sathya Sai Seva Trust in the presence of Education and IT and education minister Nara Lokesh.The initiative, which began in March 2023 with the support of Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust, had completed its initial term in April this year. With the extension, the programme will continue from 2026 to 2029.Under the revamped mid-day meal scheme, students from class 1 to intermediate are being provided fortified fine rice along with a revised menu designed to enhance nutrition and taste. Eggs are served five times a week, while chikki is given thrice weekly. On days when chikki is not served, ragi porridge is provided three times a week as a nutritional supplement.Officials said the state spends around ₹1,850 crore annually on the scheme, with a focus on improving enrolment, attendance and reducing dropout rates, while also addressing nutritional deficiencies among students.The ragi porridge is prepared using 10 grams of ragi flour and 10 grams of jaggery powder mixed in 150 ml of hot water. Rich in calcium and iron, it is aimed at strengthening the health profile of children.The trust supplies ragi flour and jaggery powder free of cost up to the district headquarters, from where the civil supplies department ensures distribution to schools. The government is expected to incur an expenditure of nearly ₹80 crore over the next three years for the programme.Among those present were managing trustee R.J. Ratnakar and other representatives of the Sri Sathya Sai institutions, along with officials from the mid-day meal scheme.