The Telangana government is set to roll out another major welfare initiative aimed at improving child nutrition. The new Anganwadi Breakfast Scheme is expected to be launched from February, under the supervision of the Women Development and Child Welfare Department. Preparations for the scheme are already underway.
In recent months, the state government has been introducing back-to-back welfare programs. It recently launched Bal Bharosa for children and Pranamam Scheme for senior citizens. Under the Pranamam initiative, one daycare center will be established in each district for elderly citizens. Through Bal Bharosa, medical examinations will be conducted for children below five years of age, and free surgeries will be provided for identified physical or mental disabilities.
Continuing its focus on child welfare, the Revanth Reddy-led government is now preparing to introduce this new nutrition-focused scheme for young children.
Under the Anganwadi Breakfast Scheme, children attending Anganwadi centres will be provided morning breakfast on a daily basis. Chief Minister Revanth Reddy is likely to formally inaugurate the scheme in February.
Initially, the program will be implemented on a pilot basis in 970 Anganwadi centres in Hyderabad. If successful, it will be expanded across the state to cover 35,781 Anganwadi centres, benefiting nearly 8 lakh children.
The breakfast will consist of nutritious and balanced food, aimed at improving immunity levels and addressing malnutrition among children.
The state government has finalized the breakfast menu for Anganwadi children. Items such as khichdi, upma, and similar healthy tiffins will be served on a rotational basis. The meals will be prepared and supplied through TG Foods, ensuring quality and hygiene.
Although the scheme was initially planned for rollout this month, government focus on arrangements for the Medaram Jatara led to a slight delay. As a result, the launch has been rescheduled for February.
In the first phase, the scheme will cover Anganwadi centres in Khairatabad, Secunderabad, Nampally, Charminar, and Golconda areas of Hyderabad, benefiting around 15,000 children.
Currently, Anganwadi centres already provide midday meals and Balamrutham to children. With the introduction of the Breakfast Scheme, children will receive additional nutritional support, making it a significant step toward improving early childhood health and development in Telangana.