CM lays foundation of 25cr community kitchen to feed 1 lakh Schoolchildren in Dibrugarh
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Dibrugarh: Assam chief minister
Himanta Biswa Sarma
on Sunday laid the foundation stone of a state-of-the-art centralised community kitchen at Dihing Khamti Playground in Dibrugarh, marking a significant milestone in the state's efforts to improve nutrition and food security for school children.
The project, estimated to cost Rs 25 crore, is designed to serve nutritious midday meals to one lakh schoolchildren across Dibrugarh district. The facility is being established under the PM POSHAN scheme, aligning with the broader objectives of the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan to ensure quality education and nutrition for students.
The centrally-funded initiative represents a collaborative effort between the govt and the Akshaya Patra Foundation, a renowned NGO with extensive experience in implementing large-scale midday meal programmes across India.
The partnership aims to leverage the foundation's expertise in delivering clean, quality and hygienic meals, while working systematically toward eliminating child malnutrition.
"This initiative marks a major leap in Assam's efforts to ensure 'zero hunger' among school-going children, while strengthening the foundation of education and health. The facility will ensure that students receive high-quality, nutritious, and hygienic meals, which will help to meet the nutritional needs of children.
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Nutritious meals will enhance their learning capabilities and overall growth. Additionally, the project will create job opportunities and skill development in food management," the Chief Minister said in his speech.
The community kitchen complex will feature comprehensive facilities spread across multiple structures. The main kitchen building, spanning ground and first floors, will cover 1,718 square metres and serve as the primary food preparation hub.
Supporting infrastructure includes administrator and senior manager's quarters covering 760 square metres, ensuring on-site management and oversight. To enhance operational efficiency and community engagement, the complex will house a staff training centre and multipurpose hall spanning 698 square metres.
The facility will focus on skill development in food planning and management while promoting awareness about food safety and nutrition among community members.
A utility and security block of 94 square metres will complete the infrastructure.The project is expected to be completed by September 2026.
Beyond its primary objective of feeding school children, the initiative is expected to generate significant economic and social benefits for the people. The facility will create substantial employment opportunities, ranging from food preparation and management roles to administrative and support positions.
The emphasis on skill development will enhance local capacity in food planning and management, creating a skilled workforce that can contribute to broader nutrition and food security initiatives.
Union minister Sarbananda Sonowal joined CM Sarma at the event, along with Assam Ministers Ranoj Pegu, Bimal Borah, Prasanta Phukan, Jogen Mohan and President of Hare Krishna Movement Guwahati and Head of Akshaya Patra Foundation, Northeast Region, Janardhana Dasa.
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