Telangana Launches ‘Tholi Mudda’ Nutrition Scheme for Anganwadi Children

Chief Minister Revanth Reddy on Thursday launched the ‘Tholi Mudda’ breakfast scheme at the Assembly premises, marking a significant step in Telangana’s push to strengthen child nutrition through the Anganwadi system . The initiative aims to provide daily nutritious breakfast to children enrolled in Anganwadi centres, complementing existing welfare programmes under India’s Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) framework, which focuses on early childhood care, health, and nutrition.

The launch comes amid growing concern over nutritional deficiencies among children, particularly in the 0–6 age group , a critical stage for physical and cognitive development. Experts and policymakers have repeatedly highlighted that poor nutrition during early years can lead to long-term health complications , learning gaps, and reduced productivity in adulthood. The Telangana government has been actively expanding food-based welfare measures, including a statewide breakfast programme and extension of midday meals , with a broader goal that “no child starts the day hungry.”

Under the ‘Tholi Mudda’ scheme, children will receive nutritious morning meals such as upma and khichdi mix , adding to the existing Anganwadi nutrition model that already includes meals, eggs, and milk. This expansion reflects a policy shift from food security to nutritional security , addressing not just hunger but also balanced dietary intake essential for growth.

During the event, the Chief Minister also launched the distribution of mobile phones to Anganwadi workers, aligning with ongoing efforts to digitize service delivery , improve monitoring, and enhance real-time data collection at the grassroots level. He further directed officials to prepare a roadmap for constructing permanent Anganwadi buildings across the state within the next three years , reducing dependence on rented facilities and improving infrastructure quality.

Revanth Reddy emphasized that ensuring nutrition from pregnancy through early childhood is vital for building a healthy and productive society . He warned that inadequate nutrition before the age of six can impair brain development , weaken immunity, and increase the risk of chronic illnesses later in life. The Chief Minister also underlined the critical role of Anganwadi teachers , describing them as the backbone of successful implementation of welfare schemes, and assured that their concerns would be addressed as the state’s financial position improves .

The ‘Tholi Mudda’ scheme is part of a larger welfare strategy that includes a ₹720-crore breakfast programme for students from pre-primary to higher classes, designed to improve attendance, learning outcomes, and overall well-being . By integrating nutrition with education and healthcare delivery, the Telangana government aims to create a holistic early childhood development model .

More than just a feeding programme, the Chief Minister described ‘Tholi Mudda’ as a long-term investment in human capital , laying a strong foundation for the physical and mental development of future generations. The initiative is expected to emerge as a model for other states in tackling malnutrition and early childhood development challenges across India.