Kolkata, 01 August (H.S.): The distribution of mid-day meals through ISKCON for students of government schools in West Bengal began on Saturday with the inauguration of a Mega Kitchen under the organisation's pilot project by Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari.

Before inaugurating the facility, the Chief Minister participated in a yajna held at the ISKCON premises. He later inspected the Mega Kitchen and was seen taking part in the preparation of the mid-day meal. Chief Secretary Manoj Agrawal and School Education Minister Dipak Barman were also present and reviewed the kitchen's operations.

As part of the inaugural programme, 40 students from five government schools participated symbolically. The Chief Minister also flagged off a fleet of electric vehicles that will be used to transport cooked meals from the Mega Kitchen to schools.

Addressing the gathering, Adhikari said the supply of mid-day meals had commenced through ISKCON's Annamrita Foundation. He thanked the organisation's office-bearers, preachers and volunteers for partnering with the state government and praised the foundation for its clean and well-organised food preparation system.

The Chief Minister said the Mid-Day Meal Scheme was originally envisioned by former Prime Minister and Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee to encourage school enrolment and promote the overall development of children. He added that, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, several organisations have joined the initiative, helping ensure that nutritious and balanced meals reach schoolchildren across the state.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh