PANAJI: With Akshaya Patra's entry into Goa's mid-day meal services, the State government has decided not to grant permissions to any self-help groups (SHGs) to serve meal to school students.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, however announced that the existing SHGs can continue their operations while maintaining food quality and hygiene.
"Good food is the right of students. We are not increasing the number of self-help groups. The existing SHG’s will continue. They should provide quality food; if they don't provide quality, they should see," Sawant stated.
The Chief Minister was speaking at the launch of Akshaya Patra's new kitchen in Saligao, marking the organization's 78th kitchen in the country. The new facility will provide healthy meals to nearly 2,500 students include those from Class IX and X on a trial basis in Saligao, Calangute, and Siolim.
"Healthy food will benefit the physical and mental health of students, thereby improving the quality of education," Sawant added.
The fully automated kitchen follows strict hygiene standards. The facility is equipped with an automated roti maker and other automated machinery to prepare meals. "It's not manual. The utensils are also sterilised, and they will ensure that hot meals are served to students," Sawant said.
He further stated that Akshaya Patra is prepared to expand its services if schools shift to full-day schedules. "In the long run, if needed, the institutionalised kitchens will serve meals in hospitals and jails," he added.
Sawant also announced that the South Goa disaster management centre will be handed over to the Akshaya Patra Foundation to set up a second kitchen in the region.
Co-founder of Akshaya Patra, Chanchalapathi Dasa, recalled that former Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar had invited the organization to Goa nearly 12 to 14 years ago. "Parrikar very much wanted Akshaya Patra to start a kitchen here. It is heartening that on his “Punyatithi”, we have fulfilled his aspiration to bring Akshaya Patra's services to Goa's children," he said.
Dasa added that Akshaya Patra's mission is to ensure no child in the country is deprived of education due to hunger.
