Telangana school breakfast scheme boosts enrolment and attendance, survey finds

A restructured school breakfast programme in Telangana has driven a 13 per cent rise in student enrolment and a sharp jump in daily attendance, according to an independent evaluation of the scheme.

The state government launched the initiative on 15 June 2026, targeting children from pre-primary up to intermediate college levels. Its initial phase rolled out across 1,302 government institutions—including 1,269 schools and 33 junior colleges—feeding roughly 1.45 lakh students.

An early assessment of the programme by Third Vision Research and Services has now detailed its immediate impact in the Kodangal constituency, represented by Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy. The researchers surveyed 575 parents, 1,153 students, and 176 teachers and headmasters across 60 primary and high schools.

More children in the classroom

The most striking change is the influx of new pupils. Enrolment across the surveyed schools climbed by 13 per cent compared to the previous academic year, bringing an additional 1,525 children—882 boys and 643 girls—into the state system.

Once enrolled, they are staying in class. The survey recorded a 20 to 22 per cent rise in student attendance. Nearly 93 per cent of parents reported that their children are more eager to go to school regularly, while 86.4 per cent of students said they now attend every single day.

The meals are prepared and delivered by the Hare Krishna Movement Charitable Foundation, which uses a centralised kitchen to supply schools with breakfast and milk. Almost every student surveyed—99.9 per cent—said they eat the breakfast provided, while milk is served on alternate days.

Energy up, hunger down

For teachers, the most immediate benefit is a quiet, focused classroom. Some 98.3 per cent of teachers and headmasters reported fewer complaints of empty stomachs during morning lessons.

Hunger has historically been a significant barrier to learning in rural Telangana, and addressing it has had a visible knock-on effect on classroom performance. Around 81 per cent of teachers noticed an increase in academic interest, while 76 per cent reported better concentration.

Physical health has also improved. Nearly 89 per cent of teachers observed a drop in mid-morning illnesses, with similar numbers reporting that children have more energy and arrive at school on time.

Bonda wins, upma loses

Parents are highly supportive of the initiative, with 95.7 per cent rating the food as good or very good, and 96.2 per cent saying the programme makes them more likely to recommend government schools to other families.

The children have clear favourites. Bonda and chutney topped the menu rankings with a 98.1 per cent approval rating, closely followed by dosa and millet idli. Upma was the least popular option, though 75 per cent of students still ate it. Nearly 30 per cent of pupils requested that vada be added to the menu.

Despite the broad success, the report highlighted areas that need attention. Nearly 44 per cent of suggestions for improvement focused on food quality, with respondents calling for more consistent preparation and less oil. Others pointed to poor serving arrangements, a lack of proper plates, and inadequate storage facilities at schools.