The impact evaluation study on the provision of supplementary nutrition under the midday meal scheme in Yadgir and Gadag districts has found that in the higher classes (9-10), it is difficult to exclude them from the provision of eggs.
Therefore, provision must be made for them to also receive egg supplements.
Karnataka State Rural Development and Panchayat Raj University conducted the study on the nutritional status of children in the age group of 6-14 years (classes 1-8) in the control district (Gadag) and to assess the value added by the new intervention. of egg/banana in the intervention district (Yadgir).
Using a cluster random sampling technique, 30 schools in each district were selected.
According to the study report, the mean gains in weight and body mass index in Yadgir intervention district are more compared to Gadag control district, showing an encouraging result of the additional egg/banana intervention.
He also highlighted the need to continue for at least another term and reassess earnings after a total of at least 100 eggs each year and three eggs per week for 40 weeks for a year.
It is necessary to guarantee hand washing with soap and water. Proper storage of rations, vegetables, kitchen hygiene, and annual health checkups for cooks and other people working in the kitchen were necessary to minimize the transmission of infections, according to the report.
Some schools lack potable water supply and kitchen staff are drawing water from outside, the report said.
The school and its surroundings must be kept clean. Kitchen staff and students are being hired to clean classrooms on an informal basis, but that needs to be regularized, according to the study.
Poor infrastructure, such as a lack of composite walls, gates, and security, is hampering gardening, even if there is space and a water supply.
The supply of API-fortified rice has improved and its impact on nutritional anemia among school-age children in both districts may need to be assessed, he said.
The report recommended providing vegetables according to the rules and students should be advised to eat the same. Consumption should be monitored, says the report.
A school in Gadag has set an example by asking each child to look at the child sitting next to them to ensure vegetable consumption. The same system can be popularized, the study said.
Responsibility for monitoring the scheme should be placed on taluk level officers such as block education officers and subject inspectors.
The fear of some administrators that the midday meal plan will affect academic activities needs to be addressed.
Schools are required to monitor nutritional status twice a year through trained students and teachers, the report added.
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