Key points:

• The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government approves a free meal program for primary schools in the public sector.
• Program to benefit around 70,000 children in urban areas of divisional headquarters
• Meals will be provided daily, ensuring students receive necessary nutrition for learning.
• Initiative part of broader welfare efforts to increase school enrollment and support student well-being.

In a significant move aimed at improving the educational outcomes and well-being of students in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the provincial government has approved the implementation of a free meal program for primary schools in the public sector. The initiative, which will benefit approximately 70,000 children, will provide daily access to free, nutritious meals for students attending primary schools in urban areas of all divisional headquarters in the province.

The decision was made during a meeting led by Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Ali Amin Gandapur, in Peshawar. The program will initially be piloted in Abbottabad and Swat, with plans to expand it to other divisional headquarters across the province.

The Chief Minister highlighted that this program is part of the provincial government’s broader welfare initiatives aimed at increasing school enrollment by providing standard meals to students at no cost. The scheme, costing around Rs500 million annually, will be funded by the provincial government.

A memorandum of understanding (MoU) will be signed between the Department of Social Welfare and private charitable organizations to formalize the collaboration. A special committee, comprising officials from the Education and Social Welfare departments, will be established to monitor the progress of the free food program in schools.

This initiative is expected to have a positive impact on the educational outcomes of students, particularly in terms of attendance and academic performance. The provision of free meals will ensure that students receive the necessary nutrition to support their learning and overall health.

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has also announced plans to provide free solar panel setups to 100,000 needy households in the province, further demonstrating its commitment to improving the lives of its citizens.