Hyderabad, March 26 Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy said on Thursday that the state government is taking all necessary measures to provide quality education and nutritious food to every child in the state.
Renowned economist Karthik Muralidharan met with Reddy at the Legislative Council Hall here, a press release said.
During the meeting, Muralidharan drew the CM's attention to several reports highlighting nutritional deficiencies and gaps in learning outcomes among children up to 10 years old in Telangana.
The economist also highlighted the health issues that may arise in the future due to nutritional deficiencies at a young age, the release said.
They also discussed the psychological distress students may experience in life if they do not receive proper instruction at an early stage.
Muralidharan made several valuable suggestions to address these challenges.
Welcoming the economist's advice, Reddy said that the government has already been paying special attention to these issues.
Further, the CM said that the government has allocated sufficient funds to provide breakfast in schools, in addition to the midday meals.
Muralidharan suggested assigning an additional staff member at Anganwadi centres to ensure the regular distribution of nutritious food to children.
Officials said that this additional staff member, called a 'Poshan Sakhi,' helps ensure children in Anganwadis receive nutritious food.
Reddy directed officials to examine the feasibility of implementing Muralidharan's suggestions on a pilot basis at all 29 schools in the Core Urban Region Economy (CURE) area and also prepare a special report on this issue in consultation with the economist to submit to the government.
Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka, Women and Child Welfare Minister Seethakka, Chief Secretary K Ramakrishna Rao, and Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister V Seshadri were among those present, the release added.