Recommendations to the State government:
– The state should ensure that children receive the recommended quantities of food grains, pulses, vegetables, and other ingredients.
– Some students and parents have requested daily provision of eggs and milk/buttermilk, which should be considered for feasibility.
– Millets should be included in the menu once a week.
Schools where the study was conducted:
– The study included 1,919 participants from Khammam and Yadadri Bhuvanagiri districts.
– There were 1,002 participants from Khammam district and 917 participants from Yadadri Bhuvanagiri district.
Micronutrient deficiency in school children in Telangana was revealed in a study conducted by The Joint Review Mission. The committee visited 78 schools in Khammam and Yadadri Bhuvanagiri districts to review the implementation of the PM Poshan Scheme. The study was supported by the National Institute of Nutrition in Hyderabad and the report was released by the Ministry of Education.
The study assessed the nutritional status of 1,919 children, including anthropometric measurements, clinical examination for nutrition deficiency signs, and food and nutrient intakes.
During the visit, the committee collected information on enrollment and the number of children availing meals. Out of 5,695 enrolled children, 4,199 children (74%) availed hot cooked meals on average in the last 10 days. The coverage was 82% in Khammam and 67% in Yadadri Bhuvangiri.
About 25% of school children were suffering from undernutrition, with a higher prevalence in Yadadri Bhuvanagiri district compared to Khammam (22%).
The study found that some primary school children had lower cereal intake than the recommended norms. Similarly, fat and oil consumption and vegetable intake were insufficient for some upper primary school children, particularly in Yadadri district.
The committee identified various concerns, including the delay in procuring kitchen devices, a lack of kitchen-cum-stores in most schools, and the use of firewood for cooking, leading to smoke accumulation.
Overall, these findings highlight the need for improved nutrition programs and implementation in Telangana schools.
