Milk will soon be an integral part of the mid-day meal scheme in government schools across the country in order to ensure proper nutrition to all students. This is in tune with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s aim to make a malnutrition-free India. The importance of milk for growing children cannot be undermined. Milk consists of carbohydrates and fats for energy, proteins for development and repair, as well as several vitamins and minerals that are essential in a child's diet. The presence of calcium, phosphorus and vitamin D in milk supports the healthy development of bones and teeth in children. Drinking milk and dairy products regularly may prevent osteoporosis and bone fractures and even help one maintain a healthy weight in later stages of life. Hence milk is essential for the holistic nourishment of growing children. All state governments have reportedly been told to implement the new midday meal policy which includes milk. It is understood that all students from class 1 to 8 in all government schools will be given 200 ml milk every day along with the mid-day meals. The Goa government too will have to make necessary provisions to provide milk to children in government schools as per the revised menu for mid-day meals when schools in the state start functioning.
