Zilla Parishad in Maharashtra’s Solapur district has initiated a project to upgrade school kitchens, aiming to improve the nutritional quality and hygiene of mid-day meals. With a budget allocation of Rs 2.5 crore, the “Amrit Rasoi” initiative equips school kitchens with appliances, dining tables, water purifiers, gas cylinders, and utensils. The program targets 1,500 schools within the zilla parishad, with a pilot phase already implemented in 30 to 40 schools in Karmala tehsil.
CEO Manisha Awahle initiated the project after observing the inadequate conditions of school kitchens during inspection visits. She emphasized the need for essential amenities like refrigerators and mixer-grinders during coordination meetings with district officials. The project prioritizes cleanliness and hygiene in the kitchen area and aims to enhance the dining experience by providing dining tables for students.
Each school receives Rs 3 lakh for kitchen upgrades and dining area setup. Karmala BDO Manoj Raut spearheaded the project’s implementation in his area, revamping several school kitchens with support from the gram panchayat. Vilas Siral, headmaster of a primary school in Khadki village, expressed gratitude for the improvements, highlighting the provision of essential equipment like refrigerators and utensils. Ranjana Unde, the village development officer, affirmed the gram panchayat’s commitment to supporting schools in prioritizing nutritional aspects, supplying necessary items for kitchen enhancement.
Source: PTI
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