Daijiworld Media Network - Guwahati
Guwahati, Aug 12: The Assam government is expanding its school nutrition programme with greater emphasis on dietary diversity and child health, covering nearly 28.97 lakh children under the PM POSHAN scheme during 2026-27, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said on Tuesday.
The initiative aims to ensure that children do not have to choose between education and adequate nutrition, while strengthening nutritional support for students in government and government-aided schools across the state.
As part of the enhanced strategy, the state has introduced several measures, including school-based Nutrition Gardens, ragi-based health drinks and additional eggs in weekly meals.
According to the latest figures, 43,670 schools across Assam have established Nutrition Gardens. The gardens are intended to promote the availability and consumption of locally grown nutritious food while creating awareness among students about healthy diets and sustainable food practices.
The state has also expanded the distribution of ragi-based health drinks, with around 11.75 lakh children currently benefiting from the initiative.
Ragi, known for its nutritional value and rich mineral content, is being incorporated into the school nutrition programme to improve dietary diversity among children.
Another major component of the expanded programme is the provision of two additional eggs every week to eligible children. Around 4.75 lakh children are receiving the additional eggs under the initiative.
Sarma said the measures are aimed at supplementing the existing PM POSHAN programme and addressing children's nutritional requirements through locally relevant and protein-rich food options.
The Assam government has been emphasising the need to integrate school education with child health and nutrition, particularly for children from economically vulnerable families.
Officials said stronger nutrition support could contribute to improved school attendance, concentration and overall learning outcomes, while helping address nutritional deficiencies among children.
The expanded approach also focuses on community participation through school-based Nutrition Gardens, enabling students and local communities to engage more closely with food production and healthy eating practices.
With 28.97 lakh children covered under PM POSHAN in 2026-27, Assam is seeking to further strengthen the programme by combining regular school meals with targeted nutritional interventions.
The initiatives underline the state's focus on making nutritional support an integral part of the school education system.