Andhra Pradesh Energy Minister Gottipati Ravi Kumar has called for a rigorous overhaul of quality control measures regarding the mid-day meal programs in state-run schools. During an official visit to the Addanki constituency, the Minister emphasized that the nutritional standards of food served to students must be non-negotiable, directing local authorities to conduct frequent and unscheduled inspections.
Prioritizing Student Nutrition and Health
While visiting Kopparam village, Minister Ravi Kumar interacted with students and faculty at the Zilla Parishad High School (ZPHS). He stressed that the government is committed to providing high-quality, hygienic meals to ensure the physical and mental well-being of the youth. He instructed education department officials to monitor the procurement of ingredients and the preparation processes at the ground level, warning that any negligence in food quality would lead to strict disciplinary action against the responsible parties.
“The health of our students is our primary concern. Mid-day meals are not just a service but a critical component of their educational development,” the Minister stated during his address. He further noted that the state government aims to bridge the gap between rural and urban educational facilities by ensuring basic amenities and nutritional security are met across all districts.
Empowering Rural Students with Mobility
In addition to his focus on school nutrition, Minister Ravi Kumar participated in a distribution ceremony where he handed over bicycles to 72 deserving students of the Zilla Parishad High School. This initiative is part of a broader government effort to improve school attendance and reduce dropout rates among students residing in remote areas of the Addanki constituency.
The provision of bicycles is expected to alleviate the challenges faced by students who previously had to travel long distances on foot to reach their classrooms. Local residents and parents welcomed the move, noting that such initiatives significantly lower the barriers to secondary education for rural children. The Minister concluded his visit by reviewing other infrastructure needs of the school, promising continued support for the enhancement of local educational institutions.
