AP extends ragi malt program for students by three years

Metro India News | AMARAVATI

In a continued push to strengthen nutritional support in schools, the Andhra Pradesh government has decided to extend the ragi malt (ragi java) distribution program under the mid-day meal scheme for another three years. The extension, covering 2026–29, was formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the Education Department and the Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust in the presence of Education and IT Minister Nara Lokesh.

The program, initially launched in March 2023 with support from the Trust, supplements the Dokka Seethamma Mid-Day Meal Scheme, which provides nutritious meals to students from Class 1 to Intermediate in government and aided institutions. Under the revised menu, students receive fortified fine rice, eggs five times a week, and protein-rich chikki thrice weekly. On alternate days, ragi malt is served as a nutritional supplement. Prepared using 10 grams of ragi flour and 10 grams of jaggery mixed in 150 ml of hot water, the drink is rich in calcium and iron, aimed at improving overall health and addressing nutritional deficiencies.

The Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust will supply ragi flour and jaggery free of cost, with distribution managed through district centers and the civil supplies network. The program is expected to incur an estimated expenditure of RS 80 crore over three years. Officials said the state allocates around Rs 1,850 crore annually for the mid-day meal scheme, with objectives including improved enrolment, higher attendance, reduced dropouts, and enhanced nutritional levels.