Panaji, Sep 7 (IANS): Goa education department has reintroduced 'Chapati' in PM Poshan (Mid Day Meal) supplied to the school students from class I to class VIII. This benefits to around 1.60 lakh students of 1400 aided and government schools of the coastal state.

Speaking to IANS, director of education Shailesh Zingade said that the department has now decided to remove the Goan bread or 'pao' from the menu of this scheme.

He said that the department has decided strictly to avoid serving items made of refined flour (Maida). "The menu shall either be wheat based item or rice based item on alternate basis," he said.

Zingade said that food items supplied to the students will now include chapatis made from wheat.

Earlier in 2013, Goa Education Department had introduced chapatis in Mid Day Meal for healthy eating habits, however it didn't work out due to several issues.

"Chapati serving had issues earlier when it was introduced. Students were not eating it as they were becoming hard. But this time we are monitoring the whole process and we seek help from the Parents Teachers Association (PTA) to keep watch on cooked food," an officer said on anonymity.

"Unfortunately we are more towards fast food. Maida made 'samosas' and 'bhatatwada' have been the first choice of all. This has become a social issue now," he said.

He said that to combat malnutrition, fortified rice is sought from the Centre. "This rice is very good for health. Many students are malnourished, even from well-to-do families. This will help students in a healthy way. However, after the fortification process rice becomes yellowish and black, hence there is question whether students will accept it or not," he said.

There are around 105 Self Help Groups engaged in preparing Mid Day Meal in Goa, and around 7 PTAs who cook for their schools with help from the government.