Junior College Students Cheer Launch of Free Breakfast Plan
College managements had circulated text messages in advance, informing students about the serving of breakfast and mid‑day meals. At several GJCs in the city, students were seen relishing meals with friends.
Hyderabad: Government junior college students will no longer have to start their day on an empty stomach, with the state government launching a free breakfast scheme alongside mid‑day meals on Monday.
On the first day of implementation, students were served Idli with Sambar and Puri with mixed vegetable curry for breakfast at 8.30 am. The mid‑day meal menu comprised Bagara, Dalcha, Sambar and eggs, served at 1.30 pm.
The breakfast scheme was rolled out in 33 colleges across the state, benefitting 14,425 students. In Hyderabad, breakfast was served in 11 colleges covering 3,882 students. Similarly, the mid‑day meal scheme was introduced in 43 colleges with a total strength of 35,563 students, of which 30 are in Hyderabad.
College managements had circulated text messages in advance, informing students about the serving of breakfast and mid‑day meals. At several GJCs in the city, students were seen relishing meals with friends.
Welcoming the initiative, students said the scheme provides healthy food and reduces the burden of carrying lunch boxes from home. “During the last academic year, we used to miss carrying lunch boxes as we got late to college. Now we will happily have food at college without worrying parents,” said Aishwarya, a student.
Another student, Fayeeza, said the food was tasty but pointed out the lack of dining space. “We are avoiding eating in classrooms as food may spill,” she said.
A faculty member said adequate nutrition is essential for adolescents, particularly girls. “Students often lose concentration if they do not have proper food. We hope this scheme will help economically weaker students focus on studies and reduce dropouts,” the faculty added.
Meanwhile, the Telangana Gazetted Junior Lecturers Association‑475 welcomed the initiative and urged the government to extend it to all junior colleges across the state.
