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The Azim Premji Foundation (APF) has partnered with the Karnataka government to provide eggs in midday meals for 55 lakh schoolchildren in the state. This initiative, which will last for three years and cost Rs 1,500 crore, aims to improve the nutritional status of children in government and government-aided schools. The program reflects the understanding that proper nutrition is vital for the long-term well-being of children, especially those from underprivileged backgrounds who rely on school meals for essential nutrients.
The CEO of APF, Anurag Behar, highlighted the importance of eggs as a nutrient-rich food source. He also emphasized the foundation's long-standing commitment to improving education in Karnataka, citing their involvement in teacher education, curriculum development, and empowering District Institutes of Education and Training (DIETs). This egg program is seen as another step in their efforts to enhance the quality of education in the state.
While the program has garnered praise for its potential to improve child health, questions remain regarding its long-term sustainability. The agreement is for three years, after which the government will need to ensure the continuation of the program. Furthermore, the article raises crucial issues concerning the overall state of education in Karnataka. Behar acknowledges the state's relative progress compared to other states, but also points out the challenges in achieving true equity and quality in education. He emphasizes the critical role of teachers in transforming classroom practices and the need for their ongoing professional development and support.
The article also touches upon the importance of reforming the BEd system to align with the National Education Policy (NEP) recommendations. Behar suggests that the NEP's focus on converting the BEd course to a four-year program is a step in the right direction. He also raises concerns about the current exam system, suggesting that it might not be effectively assessing conceptual understanding, and instead promotes rote memorization. This underscores the need for a comprehensive reform of the assessment system.
Finally, the article discusses the state's education policy, which is being developed independently of the NEP. Behar emphasizes the value of states engaging in policymaking and customizing their approach to meet their specific needs. While he acknowledges the strengths of the NEP, he believes that a state education policy can incorporate nuanced considerations relevant to Karnataka's unique context.
The article concludes by acknowledging the government's efforts to maintain exam integrity while also highlighting the need for a stronger foundation in early childhood education. The poor performance in SSLC results is seen as a reflection of weaknesses in the educational system, emphasizing the importance of addressing learning gaps from the bottom up. The focus on strengthening anganwadis and implementing pre-primary programs, as outlined in the NEP, is seen as a crucial step towards improving the overall quality of education in Karnataka.
Source: 'Nutrition has lasting effect on kids' well-being and eggs go a long way'