Hyderabad, Mar 26 (TNT): Renowned economist Karthik Muralidharan on Thursday met Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy at the Legislative Council Hall and discussed key issues related to human development in the state.
During the meeting, Muralidharan highlighted concerns over nutritional deficiencies and learning outcome gaps among children aged 0 to 10 years in Telangana.
He also pointed to potential long-term health issues arising from poor nutrition at an early age.
The discussion also covered psychological distress among students due to inadequate early education, with the economist suggesting targeted interventions to address these challenges.
Welcoming the inputs, the Chief Minister said the government is already focusing on these issues and has allocated funds to provide breakfast in schools in addition to the midday meal scheme.
Muralidharan suggested appointing an additional staff member in Anganwadi centres exclusively for ensuring regular distribution of nutritious food to children.
Officials informed that a designated worker, referred to as a “Poshan Sakhi,” already supports nutrition delivery in Anganwadis.
The Chief Minister directed officials to examine the feasibility of implementing the economist’s recommendations on a pilot basis in 29 schools within the Core Urban Region Economy (CURE) area.
He also instructed them to prepare a detailed report in consultation with Muralidharan and submit it to the government.
Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka, Women and Child Welfare minister Seethakka, Chief Secretary K. Ramakrishna Rao, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister V. Seshadri, Secretary to the CM Manik Raj, Special Secretary to the CM Ajith Reddy, Principal Secretary of the Finance Department Sandeep Kumar Sultania, Secretary of the Education Department Yogita Rana, Secretary of the Women and Child Welfare Department Anita Ramachandran, Secretary, Planning Department Dr. Gaurav Uppal, SERP CEO Divya, Secretary to the Deputy CM Krishna Bhaskar, Director of the Women and Child Welfare Department Shruti Ojha, Director of School Education Naveen Nicholas, and OSD to the CM Vemula Srinivasulu were also present.
TNT TS
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