Telangana To Launch Breakfast And Mid-Day Meal Scheme For Intermediate Students From June 12, Check 6-Day Menu

Telangana is set to roll out a first-of-its-kind nutrition initiative for Intermediate students, becoming the first state in India to provide both breakfast and mid-day meals to students studying in government and aided junior colleges. The scheme, aimed at improving nutrition levels and reducing dropout rates, will be formally launched by Chief Minister Revanth Reddy on June 12 and is expected to benefit nearly two lakh students across the state.

First State To Offer Both Breakfast And Mid-Day Meals To Intermediate Students

While several states provide either breakfast or mid-day meals to school students, Telangana is taking the programme a step further by extending both meals to Intermediate students. Though neighbouring Andhra Pradesh has already expanded the mid-day meal scheme to junior college students, Telangana will be the first state to provide a combined breakfast and lunch programme for this age group.

The initiative will cover students enrolled in government and aided junior colleges and is expected to address nutritional deficiencies among adolescents while encouraging them to continue their education.

Nutrition Plan Based On Expert Recommendations

Officials said the scheme has been designed in line with recommendations from the National Institute of Nutrition (NIN). The decision was taken after identifying the need for better nutritional support for students, particularly those from financially disadvantaged backgrounds.

According to officials, nutrition programmes in India have traditionally focused on school-going children. Telangana's move extends that support to students pursuing higher secondary education, a stage where many families struggle to continue funding their children's studies.

The government believes improved access to nutritious food can contribute to better academic participation and overall student well-being.

Nearly Two Lakh Students To Be Covered

The scheme is expected to begin with around 41,250 students on its first day of implementation. As colleges reopen fully and attendance normalises, officials estimate that nearly 1.92 lakh first-year and second-year Intermediate students will receive breakfast and mid-day meals every day.

To fund the programme, the state government is planning to allocate approximately Rs 80 crore for breakfast and an additional Rs 100 crore for the mid-day meal component.

Aimed At Reducing Dropouts Among Vulnerable Students

Officials noted that a significant number of students in government and aided junior colleges belong to Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), minority communities and economically weaker sections.

Many students discontinue their studies after Class 10 due to financial pressures and often enter the workforce to support their families. The government hopes the new nutrition programme will ease some of these challenges by ensuring students receive regular meals while pursuing their education.

Authorities believe the initiative can help improve attendance levels, reduce dropout rates and encourage more students to complete higher secondary education.

Weekly Breakfast Menu Finalised

As part of the programme, the Telangana government has prepared a rotating breakfast menu designed to provide variety and nutritional value throughout the week:

• Day 1: Dosa with chutney
• Day 2: Millet idli with sambar
• Day 3: Puri with mixed vegetable kurma
• Day 4: Bonda with chutney
• Day 5: Idli with chutney
• Day 6: Upma with chutney or sambar

Students will also receive 150 ml of milk on alternate days as part of the nutrition package.

With the launch scheduled for June 12, Telangana's latest education and welfare initiative is being seen as an effort to strengthen student retention and ensure that nutritional support continues beyond the school level, particularly for those from economically weaker households.