New Delhi, 28 February (H.S.): Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced the launch of Akshaya Patra Foundation's 'Morning Nutrition Programme' on Saturday, pledging full government support to ensure schoolchildren receive nutritious breakfasts upon arrival.
Speaking at the event, Gupta emphasized that an active, energized child excels in studies, making morning nutrition vital. She commended Akshaya Patra's six years of service in Delhi and affirmed the government's commitment to this noble initiative.
Gupta highlighted national efforts like PM Poshan, National Food Security Act, and Poshan Abhiyaan, which have transformed nutrition into a mass movement. She described it as a foundation for empowering future generations, not mere schemes.
The programme addresses morning hunger gaps before midday meals, providing protein-rich breakfasts to boost cognition and attendance. Complementing PM Poshan (covering 35-40% daily needs), it raises intake to 60-65%, aligning with National Education Policy 2020's emphasis on productive morning learning post-nutritious meals.
Akshaya Patra has served over 40 million such breakfasts nationwide in six months, targeting two crore annually via existing mid-day meal kitchens across 16 states without extra costs. BJP leader Shyam Jaju, Akshaya Patra's Bharat Rarsab Das and Chanchal Pati Das, and MCD Education Committee Chairman Yogesh Verma attended.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
