The Aryavarth Express
Agency(Bengaluru): Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, emphasizing the vital connection between good nutrition and quality education, announced the distribution of millet malt to 55 lakh government school children. This initiative was unveiled at the inauguration of the SaiSure Ragi Health Mix distribution programme at Vidhana Soudha’s Banquet Hall.
Reflecting on the state’s achievements in milk production since 2013, Siddaramaiah detailed the government’s efforts to utilize surplus milk and milk by-products. This led to the Ksheera Bhagya scheme, which provides milk to school children five days a week through the Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF), with funding from the government. Additionally, the state has introduced a program to offer eggs to school children twice a week.
The Chief Minister emphasized the importance of preventing anaemia and nutritional deficiencies among children, highlighting that a strong physical and mental state is crucial for effective learning. He expressed his commitment to ensuring that children from all backgrounds, including those from poor, laborer, Dalit, and Shudra communities, receive high-quality education.
Siddaramaiah also spoke about the role of education in fostering self-esteem and combating superstitions prevalent in society. He cited the need for rational education that addresses societal issues and criticized the influence of superstition even among highly educated individuals. The Chief Minister underscored the importance of intellectual education in building a society free from superstitious beliefs.
The SaiSure Ragi Malt Health Mix, aimed at enhancing the nutritional intake of school children, will be distributed to all government and aided school children in the state from the academic year 2023-24. This initiative marks a significant step towards ensuring the holistic development of children in Karnataka, focusing on their health and education.