SRINAGAR: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday laid the foundation stone of the Akshaya Patra Foundation’s centralised mid-day meal kitchen facility in Katra, aimed at providing nutritious meals to schoolchildren in the region.
Officials said the facility, once operational, is expected to serve around 5,000 meals daily to students. The LG also referred to the foundation’s planned expansion in Jammu and Kashmir, including another proposed kitchen facility in Jammu.
Addressing the gathering, the Lieutenant Governor stressed the need for stronger coordination between the government and social organisations to ensure that no child is deprived of nutritious food. He said every child must have access to balanced meals.
Sinha said nutrition and education are closely linked, noting that a well-fed child is better able to learn, concentrate, and participate in classroom activities. He added that providing nutritious meals in schools goes beyond addressing hunger and contributes to shaping the future of children.
He also underlined the collective responsibility of society towards children’s education, health, and development, stating that these factors will determine the future of Jammu and Kashmir as well as the country.
The LG appreciated the work of the Akshaya Patra Foundation, describing it as one of the world’s largest non-government organisations in the school meal sector, currently serving over 20 lakh children across 16 states and three Union Territories.
On the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor also served meals to school students present at the event.
Several senior officials, legislators, and representatives of the foundation were present at the function.
