Hyderabad: The Telangana government will introduce a breakfast scheme for students studying in government schools from the next academic year to improve nutrition and increase attendance.
The School Education Department has begun preparations to implement the scheme fully from the 2026–27 academic year. Officials said the initiative aims to support poor students and attract more enrolments in government schools.
The government expects to spend about ₹400 crore on the scheme. Officials have proposed serving rice-based items such as pulihora, vegetable biryani and khichdi on three days a week. On the remaining two days, students will receive items like upma.
KGBVs upgrade, meals planned for junior colleges
At present, nearly 17 lakh students studying in about 24,000 government schools receive mid-day meals regularly. By adding breakfast, officials believe student health will improve. They also expect better attendance, especially among children travelling long distances.
Meanwhile, the government has decided to strengthen Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas (KGBVs). The Education Department is preparing proposals to upgrade these schools, which currently function up to Class 10, to the intermediate level.
Telangana has 495 KGBVs. The government plans to upgrade around 120 KGBVs during the 2025–26 academic year. Officials aim to complete the upgradation of all KGBVs in the following year.
The government is also considering extending the mid-day meal scheme to government junior colleges. The Intermediate Education Board is examining plans to provide meals to about 1.7 lakh students studying in 430 government junior colleges. Officials are also exploring the supply of uniforms to intermediate students.