Odisha govt introduces nutrient-rich millet ladoos and mid-day meal for class 9 and 10 students

In a major initiative to promote nutrition and overall development among school children, the Odisha government has launched the distribution of nutrient-rich Mandia (millet) Ladoos for all school students and mid-day meals for students of Classes 9 and 10. The program aims to enhance the mental and intellectual growth of students by ensuring they receive proper nutrition.

The initiative was officially launched today by School and Mass Education Minister Nityananda Gond at Government Girls' High School and Swami Vivekananda High School in Umarkote in Nabarangpur district on Tuesday. As part of the launch, the Minister personally distributed millet Ladoos to students from Class 1 to Class 10 and participated in a mid-day meal with students to emphasize the importance of nutrition.

“Students of classes 9 and 10 were deprived of the mid-day meal scheme. Odisha CM realised this and included the left-out students,” said the Minister.

Program Highlights:

Millet Ladoos: The finger millet (Mandia) ladoos, known for their high nutritional value, will be provided three times a week to all school students. This move is expected to improve the health and cognitive abilities of children, particularly in rural and tribal areas.

Mid-Day Meal Expansion

Previously available only to lower classes, the mid-day meal program has now been extended to students of Classes 9 and 10, ensuring that older students also receive a balanced and nutritious meal.

Beneficiaries

The initiative is expected to benefit around 10.8 lakh students across the state, significantly impacting their health and education outcomes.

Minister Nityananda Gond highlighted that the Odisha government is committed to addressing child nutrition and academic performance through such programs. He expressed optimism that the scheme would not only improve the overall health of students but also boost their concentration and academic performance.

During the event, the Minister shared a meal with students, engaging in conversations about their school life and dietary habits. The interaction aimed to create awareness among students about the importance of consuming nutritious food for a healthy and active lifestyle.

This initiative reflects the Odisha government’s ongoing efforts to integrate traditional, locally sourced food items like millet into the school diet, promoting health, sustainability, and food security among young learners.