From October 25, schools in Karnataka are also set to open for classes 1-5 (Representational)
Bangalore:
Mid-day meals have resumed in Karnataka government schools after they were closed due to the coronavirus nearly 18 months ago. The decision was taken after the number of daily Covid cases and positivity rate declined earlier this week. Offline classes for classes 1-5 are also set to resume from Monday.
At one of the schools in Bengaluru as seen by NDTV, the menu included hot bisi bele snan – a traditional rice dish from Karnataka served with a crunchy side dish.
A student told NDTV, “I am very happy. My mother doesn’t need to get up extra early to prepare my tiffin. I am late for school. Now that they are serving food in the school, I am getting ready for school.” It has become easier for my mother.” .
Another student also mentioned that the food would be a relief for her mother. “We are very happy. My mother also works so now she can go to work early.”
The promise of hot meals has also increased attendance in many schools.
“I am very happy and relieved. We can ask them to come early in the morning because there will be food. Twenty more students come today. I hope all students will come by Monday. There will be 100% attendance. This is hot food. Because of this,” Syeda Ishrat, headmistress of KPS Yediyur High School, Bengaluru, told NDTV.
Akshaya Patra, a non-profit organisation, is now providing mid-day meals to over 75,000 school children in Bengaluru with funds received from state government and private donors.
“The need of the hour is safe food. All our employees have been vaccinated and we follow Covid protocols while preparing and serving food,” Navina Neerada Dasa, Director – Strategic Communications, Akshaya Patra Foundation told NDTV.
.