The State Cabinet is actively considering a state-wide free breakfast program for all government schools, subject to favorable financial conditions—building on this successful Kodangal pilot

- Bhatti Vikramarka, Deputy CM Telangana

metro india news  I hyderabad

The saying goes that one should have a breakfast like a king and it seems the Deputy Chief Minister of Telangana Bhatti Vikramarka Mallu truly believes in it. He announced that the Telangana Cabinet is considering the introduction of free breakfast for students in Government Schools, contingent on favourable financial conditions. He revealed that a pilot project has already been launched in CM Revanth Reddy's constituency, emphasizing the need for proper nutrition to support children's growth and development. "Our resolve is strong; with adequate resources, we will implement this scheme state-wide to ensure no child goes hungry while learning," he stated.

The Deputy CM graced the 150th anniversary celebrations of the Government High School in Mogiligidda village, Ranga Reddy District, as the chief guest on Friday. Addressing the gathering, he highlighted the government's commitment to enhancing public education and welfare initiatives, underscoring the role of common schooling in fostering societal unity.

Bhatti Vikramarka stressed that a common school system is essential for building a cohesive society, free from divisions of caste, religion, wealth, or poverty. He praised historical figures who shaped Telangana's educational landscape. Burgula Ramakrishna Rao, the first Chief Minister of Hyderabad State, was lauded as the pioneer of land reforms in India. Bhatti detailed Rao's revolutionary decisions, including the tenancy act that granted land rights to tillers, abolition of the Jagirdari system, and end to bonded labor. 

These reforms, implemented between 1950-54, laid the foundation for national land reforms in the 1970s. He also recalled the school's alumni, including Rao, Marri Chenna Reddy, former UP Governor Satyanarayana Reddy, and Professor H. Ragopal.

The Deputy CM credited the late Chief Minister YS Rajasekhara Reddy for insisting on English medium education in government schools across the undivided Andhra Pradesh in 2008. Sharing a personal anecdote, Bhatti recounted how YSR, during a legislative council debate, urged him to speak in favor of the policy. "In a globalized world, English is indispensable for employment and future prospects," he quoted his earlier arguments, noting how parents sacrifice to educate their children, only for language barriers to hinder opportunities.

Reflecting on the school's 150-year legacy, Bhatti noted its evolution from Urdu medium until 1952, to Telugu, and then English under YSR. Last January, CM Revanth Reddy visited and allocated Rs 10 crore for infrastructure, with works progressing rapidly.

The event celebrated the school's contributions to society, producing leaders who fought against Nizam rule through library movements and armed struggles, embodying democratic solutions to complex issues.

28K students getting free breakfast in Kodangal already

This pilot scheme, which took off last month (December 2024), serves as a model for broader implementation

It may be mentioned here that the Telangana government, in collaboration with CSR partners and NGOs, had launched the nutritional breakfast scheme for government school students in Kodangal and surrounding areas. The centralized community kitchen and breakfast program were inaugurated by Ministers Damodar Rajanarsimha, D. Sridhar Babu, and Jupally Krishna Rao. The event was presided over by Satya Gaura Chandra Dasa Prabhuji, President of the Hare Krishna Movement, and Michelle Dominica, Head of India CSR and Administrative Services at Viatris.

The initiative targeted nutritious breakfast daily to approximately 28,000 students across 312 government schools in Kodangal, Bomraspet, Dudyal, and Daulatabad mandals of Vikarabad district, as well as Gundumal, Kosgi, Kothapally, and Maddur mandals in Narayanpet district. The project featured a modern centralized kitchen spanning 22,000 sq. ft. at the agricultural market yard in Kodangal. Equipped with advanced technology—including a biogas system utilizing bio-waste, RO water treatment, boiler plant, gas bank, and effluent treatment plant—the facility ensures hygienic and efficient meal preparation. The Hare Krishna Movement Charitable Foundation has proposed an enriched daily menu to support children's health and nutrition.

This pilot scheme, which took off last month (December 2024), serves as a model for broader implementation. In a fresh development, Deputy CM Bhatti Vikramarka announced that the State Cabinet is actively considering a state-wide free breakfast program for all government schools, subject to favorable financial conditions—building on this successful Kodangal pilot in Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy's constituency.