New education policy proposes breakfast for children besides mid-day meals

In locations where hot meals are not possible, a simple but nutritious meal may be provided

The mid-day meals provided to students in government or aided schools should be supplemented by breakfast, says the new National Education Policy (NEP).

The policy which was approved by the Union Cabinet earlier this week has noted that morning hours after a nutritious breakfast can be particularly productive for the study of cognitively more demanding subjects and hence recommended expansion of the mid-day meal scheme to include provisions for breakfast in schools.

"Children are unable to learn optimally when they are undernourished or unwell. Hence, the nutrition and health (including mental health) of children will be addressed, through healthy meals and the