KOLKATA: ISKCON will begin supplying cooked midday meals to schools across a large part of Kolkata from August 1 as part of a pilot project, with the West Bengal government separately providing eggs to students through self-help groups (SHGs), Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced.The chief minister also said Rs 296.64 crore has been transferred to more than 80,000 government, aided and sponsored schools under the composite grant for infrastructure and development.Addressing reporters, Adhikari said the funds had been transferred through net banking to schools across the state for their development.“Though the amount, considering the number of schools, is not high, the funds were very necessary for the institutions,” he said.The chief minister alleged that schools had been deprived of the grant over the past three years because of the previous government’s policies.“Owing to the previous government’s failures over the last three years in policy, its arrogance and neglect, educational institutions have been deprived,” Adhikari said.He said 60% of the composite grant is funded by the Centre, while the remaining 40% is borne by the state government.Adhikari also announced that, as a pilot project, ISKCON will begin supplying “satvik and wholesome food” to schools across a large part of Kolkata from August 1.To supplement the meals, he said the state government would continue to provide eggs through self-help groups (SHGs) to ensure children receive a protein-rich and balanced diet.The pilot project is scheduled to begin from August 1.(With PTI inputs)
