Karnataka achieves high midday meal coverage

Karnataka ranks among the top states for midday meal distribution. New 2024-25 data shows 92 per cent of enrolled students get meals through the programme. This performance puts Karnataka in sixth place across the country, ahead of the national average of 76.2 per cent.

Student nutrition support

The state government spends heavily on student food. Besides regular meals, children get hot milk under Ksheera Bhagya Yojana for ₹ 6.26 per child. Students also get eggs or bananas six days a week. Although central kitchens currently serve only 10.5 per cent of schools, the reach is good.

Experts say that linking attendance registers could help with monitoring. It is good to see this focus on student welfare, but the gap between school enrollment and actual meal eating remains a problem in many states.