A simple breakfast can bring about remarkable changes in the lives of schoolchildren. It may seem unbelievable that a single meal could make schooling more appealing, particularly in rural areas. In Telangana’s government schools, this simple intervention is helping make the classroom a more welcoming place for children.
Increased enrolment, enhanced attendance, no complaints of hunger and more energy among students throughout the day were some of the key factors that emerged as focal points in the Telangana schools after the introduction of the breakfast scheme this academic year.
On June 15, 2026, Telangana launched a new and restructured breakfast programme for students from pre-primary to Intermediate level, as assured by Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy earlier. Its first phase covered 1,302 institutions, of which 1,269 are schools and 33 junior colleges benefiting around 1.45 lakh students. The scheme will be extended to all schools in a phased manner.
But a survey of the scheme in government schools across Telangana’s Kodangal constituency, represented by the Chief Minister, has reported positive feedback from parents, students and teachers, who say there is a marked change in the school environment itself.
The performance and impact evaluation report, prepared by Third Vision Research and Services, covered 575 parents, 1,153 students and 176 teachers and headmasters. The programme, implemented by the Hare Krishna Movement Charitable Foundation through a centralised kitchen, provides breakfast and milk to students in government primary and high schools.
According to the report, enrolment increased by 13% compared with the previous academic year across 60 schools – 30 primary schools and 30 high schools. The increase amounted to 1,525 students, including 882 boys and 643 girls.
The survey also reported a 20–22% increase in student attendance, based on stakeholder feedback. While 89.2% of teachers and headmasters reported an improvement in attendance, 92.8% of parents said their children wanted to attend school more regularly.
The findings indicated strong acceptance of the breakfast programme among students. As many as 99.9% of those surveyed said they ate the breakfast served at school, while 86.4% reported attending school every day. All the students surveyed said milk was provided on alternate days.
The programme also appeared to be addressing concerns over hunger during school hours. About 98.3% of teachers and headmasters reported fewer complaints of hunger among students, while 89.2% said students were arriving at school on time more frequently.
Teachers also reported improvements in other aspects of student well-being. Nearly 89.2% observed a reduction in mid-morning health problems, 88.1% said students were more energetic and 83% reported increased participation. Improvements in academic interest and concentration were reported by 81.2% and 76.1% of teachers, respectively.
High acceptance, scope for improvement
Parents expressed considerable satisfaction with the programme, with 95.7% of them rating the breakfast good or very good. About 96.2% said they would recommend government schools to others, according to Naganna of the Third Vision Research and Services, which conducted the survey.
Student feedback showed that 91.3% rated the taste of the food good or better, while 92.7% gave similar ratings to food quality. Freshness received positive ratings from 95.9% of students, and 92.3% rated cleanliness favourably. However, satisfaction with quantity was relatively lower, at 84.6%.
Favourite tiffins
Bonda and chutney emerged as the most popular breakfast item, preferred by 98.1% of students, followed by dosa and chutney at 95.3% and millet idli with sambar at 93.6%. Upma and chutney was the least popular item among those listed, with 75% of students saying they liked or ate it. Nearly 29.2% of students suggested adding vada to the menu.
Teacher feedback pointed to differences in satisfaction across operational aspects. While 98.9% said the programme was running smoothly and 97.7% reported that breakfast was served on time. Taste received favourable ratings from 76.5% of teachers, while quantity was rated favourably by 76.7%.
Improvement needed
Food quality accounted for 43.6% of the improvement-related mentions recorded in the survey. Other concerns included serving arrangements, plates and storage facilities, which together featured among the issues raised by respondents. The report recommended greater consistency in preparation and control over oil usage.
The report also found that 90.8% of parents knew that Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy had launched the scheme, compared with 74% of students surveyed.
Published – October 10, 2026 12:51 am IST
