Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu launched the ‘Mukhyamantri Bal Paushtik Aahar Yojana’ on August 18 in Hamirpur, aimed at providing nutritious food to government schoolchildren. The scheme will offer boiled eggs or fruits once a week to students from nursery to Class 8 in 15,181 schools, complementing the existing midday meal program.
The schools will source fresh fruits from local markets based on the children’s preferences, the CM said.
Sukhu said that the initiative will benefit approximately 534,000 children currently covered under the midday meal scheme. The state has allocated Rs 12.75 crore for this new program.
In addition to the nutrition scheme, Sukhu announced that 17,510 primary school teachers will receive tablets as part of efforts to digitise educational and administrative processes. This initiative aims to modernise teaching methods, improve access to digital resources, and simplify administrative tasks. Teachers will also have the opportunity to participate in online training programs to enhance their professional development.
Sukhu also criticised the previous BJP administration for the state’s drop to 18th place in quality education rankings and pledged to improve academic standards.
His government is investing in several educational reforms, including sending teachers on exposure visits abroad. Recently, 217 teachers visited Singapore as part of this initiative, he said. Additionally, Rajiv Gandhi Day Boarding Schools are being established in every assembly constituency to strengthen educational infrastructure, Sukhu said.
The Chief Minister emphasised that no funds will be spared in improving the quality of education and supporting teachers. “Teachers bring change and inspire progress, which is why they have a significant responsibility,” Sukhu said.