Gujarat Government Revises School Nutrition Programme, Discontinues Sukhdi
In a significant update to the state's school nutrition initiative, the Gujarat government has announced the discontinuation of the weekly serving of sukhdi provided to students alongside the mid-day meal. This change will impact approximately 38.5 lakh students enrolled in around 32,230 government schools across Gujarat, marking a major shift in dietary practices for children.
Decision Driven by Fit India Initiative and Health Recommendations
Officials stated that the decision was made under the Centre's Fit India initiative, which emphasizes healthier dietary habits for children. A committee reviewing the state's nutrition plan recommended reducing oil and fat intake, leading to the removal of sukhdi—a traditional preparation made from wheat flour, jaggery, and ghee—from the weekly menu. This move aims to align school meals with national health and fitness guidelines, promoting a more balanced nutritional profile for students.
Background and Evolution of the Nutrition Programme
Sukhdi was initially introduced in March 2024 to enhance the nutritional value of school meals, with plans to serve it once every week. Later, in November 2024, the government launched the Mukhyamantri Poshan Alpahar Yojana, designed to diversify student nutrition. Under this scheme, additional snacks such as chana chaat and millet-based sukhdi were incorporated into the mid-day meal programme to provide variety and improved dietary options.
Revised Menu Focuses on Balanced and Diverse Options
Under the revised nutrition plan, the new list of items includes a range of healthier alternatives. These options are intended to offer a more balanced diet while adhering to fitness standards. The updated menu features:
- Moong chaat
- Vegetable poha
- Mixed pulses chaat
- Millet sukhdi
- Vegetable upma
According to officials, these changes are part of a broader effort to ensure that school meals contribute effectively to the health and well-being of students, supporting their overall development through improved nutrition.
