Date: December 04, 2024
Nara Lokesh’s Plan to Revive Mid-Day Meal Scheme for College
Lokesh’s Push to Revive the Mid-Day Meal Scheme
Nara Lokesh, the IT and Education Minister, has announced plans to bring back the mid-day meal scheme in government junior colleges. This program was first launched in 2018 by the TDP government to help reduce student dropouts. Now, Lokesh has vowed to reinstate the initiative, focusing on supporting students through free meals to keep them in school.
How the Scheme Helps Students
The mid-day meal scheme was designed to help economically disadvantaged students continue their studies. Many students drop out after class X due to financial constraints, and this program sought to reduce that number. By providing free meals, the government aimed to ease the burden on families and encourage students to pursue further education at government-run colleges.
Reducing Dropout Rates in Government Colleges
A key issue facing the education system is the number of students dropping out after completing class X. According to Lokesh, the primary reason for this is economic hardship. By reintroducing the mid-day meal scheme, the government hopes to keep students enrolled in school. The free meals will help families manage their expenses while incentivizing students to continue their education.
Mid-Day Meal Implementation and Plans Ahead
While the exact timeline for the implementation of the program is still being finalized, the proposal has received support. Lokesh also announced a state-wide parent-teacher meeting on December 7. During the meeting, he and Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu will engage with parents and teachers to discuss the plan and other educational reforms.
Engaging with Parents for Success
The upcoming parent-teacher meeting is crucial to ensuring that the mid-day meal scheme and other reforms meet the needs of students and their families. Lokesh emphasized that involving parents in these discussions will help strengthen the connection between the government and local communities. This collaboration is key to the program’s success.
Conclusion: Improving Student Retention
The reintroduction of the mid-day meal scheme in government junior colleges is an important step toward improving student retention. By providing free meals, the government can ease financial burdens and encourage more students to continue their studies. This initiative, once fully implemented, could help strengthen Andhra Pradesh’s education system.