Telangana government had planned Lunch Box Scheme for pregnant women visiting government hospitals in the state, so that they get proper meals instead of skipping food during long hospital visits. Under this plan, women would get curry and egg along with rice while waiting for treatment.
Update: No official notification has been found confirming a formal launch of this scheme since it was first announced in December 2020. Telangana also got a new government in December 2023, with Congress replacing the previous BRS government. Pregnant and lactating women in Telangana can currently get free nutritious meals through the Arogya Lakshmi Scheme, which is run through Anganwadi centres across the state and is active as of 2026.
Telangana Lunch Box Scheme
As per the original plan, pregnant ladies visiting government hospitals from villages for check-ups or delivery were to be given a lunch box with curry and egg. Health officials had pointed out that women often skip rice or nutritious food during hospital visits because of long waiting times, and this can affect both the mother and the unborn child.
Healthy Diet Benefits for Pregnant Women & Baby
A good diet during pregnancy matters a lot, both for the mother and the baby. Proper food gives more energy, keeps the immune system strong, and lowers the risk of falling sick. Here are some other benefits of eating well during pregnancy:
- Fewer complications during pregnancy and delivery
- More energy through the day
- Better development of the baby in the womb
- Improved sleep for the mother
- Lower risk of falling sick or getting infections
Pregnant women need to eat well for their own health as well as their baby's health. Eating well during pregnancy lowers the chances of anemia, low birth weight and birth defects, and can also help with common pregnancy problems.
Other Health Schemes for Pregnant Women in Telangana
Telangana government runs many schemes for pregnant women and new mothers, such as KCR Kit Scheme (now called Amma Odi in some districts) and Arogya Lakshmi Scheme. Under Arogya Lakshmi, pregnant and lactating women get one nutritious meal daily, along with milk, egg, rice and dal, through Anganwadi centres. These schemes have helped increase institutional deliveries and hospital visits by pregnant women across the state.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Telangana Lunch Box Scheme |
| Announced By | Telangana Government (2020) |
| Current Status | No official launch confirmed as of 2026 |
| Beneficiaries | Pregnant women visiting government hospitals |
| Active Alternative | Arogya Lakshmi Scheme (Anganwadi centres) |
| Benefit | Free meals with rice, curry and egg |
FAQ's
Is Telangana Lunch Box Scheme active in 2026?
No official notification confirms a formal, statewide launch of this specific scheme. Pregnant women can instead use Arogya Lakshmi Scheme, which is active and provides daily nutritious meals through Anganwadi centres.
Which scheme gives free meals to pregnant women in Telangana now?
Arogya Lakshmi Scheme currently provides pregnant and lactating women with milk, egg, rice and dal daily through Anganwadi centres across Telangana.
Source / Reference Link: https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/telangana/2020/dec/03/telangana-to-launch-lunch-box-scheme-soon-2231232.html