The Union government has advised states to reduce the use of cooking oil by 10% in mid-day meals provided in government

Description

The Union government has advised states to reduce the use of cooking oil by 10% in mid-day meals provided in government and aided schools. This move is part of the Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman (PM-POSHAN) scheme, which aims to promote healthier eating habits among students.

PM-POSHAN Scheme

The PM-POSHAN scheme is an initiative launched by the government to ensure that students in government and aided schools receive nutritious meals. The program mainly targets children in Bal-Vatika and classes 1 to 8, with Karnataka extending it to include students in classes 9 and 10, reaching approximately 54 lakh students. The meals are carefully planned to be nutritionally balanced, incorporating fortified grains, pulses, and vegetables to meet the students’ dietary needs.

Addressing Health Concerns

This initiative is a response to the growing concern over childhood obesity in India. According to a report in The Lancet, the number of overweight children (aged 5-19) rose significantly from 0.4 million in 1990 to 12.5 million in 2022. By reducing the use of cooking oil, the government aims to raise awareness among students about the risks associated with excessive oil consumption and encourage healthier cooking methods.

Training And Awareness Programs

The government has mandated that all cook-cum-helpers in schools receive training on reducing cooking oil usage. Schools are also encouraged to organize special sessions on the benefits of a low-oil diet, with nutrition experts invited to interact with students. To further promote healthy eating, activities such as quiz competitions and essay writing contests will be held to engage students and spread awareness about good nutrition.

Encouraging Healthier Cooking Methods

The initiative promotes healthier cooking techniques, such as grilling, steaming, and boiling, as alternatives to deep-frying. These methods are intended to reduce the intake of unhealthy fats and oils. Schools are also encouraged to offer low-oil meal options in their canteens and educate students on how to prepare low-oil meals at home.

Community Involvement

The advisory encourages involving parents and local communities in the effort to improve students' health. School Management Committees will hold meetings to discuss the importance of exercise and fitness. Additionally, awareness campaigns will be conducted through seminars, workshops, and guest lectures to further educate students, teachers, and parents about healthy eating habits.

Nutritional Standards In Mid-Day Meals

The meals provided under the PM-POSHAN scheme are designed to meet specific nutritional standards:

• The meals include fortified rice, wheat, coarse grains, pulses, and green leafy vegetables.

• Double Fortified Salt (DFS) and fortified edible oil (containing Vitamin A and D) are used, with 5 grams allocated for primary students and 7.5 grams for upper primary students.

• Vegetables from School Nutrition Gardens are also incorporated into the meals to promote fresh and local produce.

This initiative aims to create a long-term impact on the health and well-being of school children, fostering healthier eating habits and improving overall nutrition.

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