NITI Aayog Appreciates, Lokesh’s ‘Smart’ Idea

Education Minister Nara Lokesh’s SMART Kitchen initiative in YSR Kadapa district has received appreciation from NITI Aayog for bringing technology and modern systems into school meal delivery. The initiative aims to provide children with better quality, nutritious and hygienic meals while also improving monitoring and delivery.

As part of the initiative, 38 SMART Kitchens have been established in Kadapa. The system uses mechanised cooking, standardised food safety practices, GPS tracked delivery and real time monitoring to improve the entire meal delivery process.

QR based feedback has also been introduced to help monitor the quality of food and address issues more quickly. Sustainability and the participation of women led self help groups are also important parts of the initiative.

NITI Aayog highlighted the Kadapa model for combining technology, modern infrastructure, efficient logistics and community participation under the Aspirational Districts and Aspirational Blocks programmes.

Lokesh thanked NITI Aayog for recognising the initiative and said improving the quality, nutrition and hygiene of school meals is a responsibility that must be taken seriously.

The Education Minister said the government will continue to strengthen and expand such initiatives to ensure that children receive better nutrition and care.