The West Bengal School Education Department has issued a notification authorising ISKCON to provide mid-day meals in all state-run and state-aided schools across the state.
Previously, ISKCON supplied mid-day meals exclusively to state-run and state-aided schools within the Kolkata Municipal Corporation jurisdiction.
The new directive expands this operational mandate statewide.
The official notification aligns all state schools with the central government’s Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman scheme, commonly known as the PM Poshan scheme.
Under this framework, ISKCON assumes responsibility for mid-day meal distribution across all districts.
The newly formed state administration introduced updated regulations to improve nutritional standards for school children.
The initial rollout began in Kolkata schools this past August on an experimental basis.
Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari had previously announced plans to expand ISKCON’s mid-day meal responsibilities to all districts through a phased implementation model.
The government briefly issued and withdrawn notifications for Howrah and Purba Medinipur.
The School Education Department has now confirmed the official statewide expansion.
District administrations will collaborate directly with ISKCON authorities to identify suitable locations for central kitchens.
The established menu format will remain uniform across all regions.
ISKCON will prepare and deliver nutritious vegetarian meals to the participating schools.
Women-run self-help groups will continue to arrange and distribute eggs separately to the students.
The department confirms that phased implementation will begin immediately across all remaining districts.
🌐 Stay Connected with The Avenue Mail
Get the latest news and breaking updates delivered instantly to your feed.
🟢Join our WhatsApp Group: Click here to join
📢 The Avenue Mail: Your trusted source for real-time news.
