LAHORE( The COW News Digital)The Punjab government has approved the expansion of its School Meal Programme to 10 additional districts, aiming to improve nutrition and school attendance among primary students across the province.
According to official sources, the program will now be launched in Bhakkar, Mianwali, Layyah, Dera Ghazi Khan, Rajanpur, Muzaffargarh, Chiniot, Rahim Yar Khan, Lodhran, and Vehari. The initiative is designed to provide free daily meals to students from grades one through five, ensuring that children from underprivileged backgrounds receive adequate nutrition during school hours.
Punjab Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat said that the expansion marks an important step toward combating malnutrition and improving learning outcomes. “Proper nutrition is directly linked to academic performance. By providing free meals, we aim to enhance both the health and educational prospects of our children,” he stated.
The program, originally launched in select pilot districts, has shown encouraging results with improved student attendance and participation. Officials hope that expanding it further will reduce dropout rates and attract more children to public schools, particularly in rural and low-income areas.
In addition to the meal initiative, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has approved the construction of new Daanish Schools in Sarai Alamgir and Phoolnagar. The move is part of the government’s broader education reform plan to increase access to quality education for all children in Punjab.
Education experts have lauded the expansion, emphasizing that such programs not only promote children’s health but also play a vital role in addressing poverty and social inequality. The government is also exploring partnerships with local and international organizations to ensure consistent food supply and program sustainability.
With the approval of this expansion, Punjab joins a growing list of regions in South Asia that recognize school meals as a powerful tool for fostering long-term educational and social development.
