Ernakulam District Panchayat to study social impact of Milma@School programme
The Ernakulam District Panchayat is launching a study to evaluate the social impact of the Milma@School dairy kiosk program. While the initiative aims to provide healthy snacks and prevent students from leaving campus, officials are concerned about potential financial burdens on parents.
Why it matters
This highlights the tension between school-based health initiatives and the economic accessibility of such programs for families.
The social impact of opening Milma kiosks in schools will be studied shortly. The decision comes in the wake of concerns raised by civic representatives at the Ernakulam District Panchayat council meeting last week.
Currently, kiosks of the dairy cooperative, set up as part of the Milma@School campaign, are operational in three of the 58 schools under the local body.
“One of the advantages is that having such a kiosk will prevent children from going outside the school campus in search of refreshments. The products are also a healthier alternative. However, a concern raised is the financial strain it could have on the kids and how they would pay for these. Some schools were willing to start this. We will look at the social impact at these schools first before implementing it in other schools,” said District panchayat president K.G. Radhakrishnan.
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