Date:25/08/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/08/25/stories/2006082519000200.htm

Karnataka - Bangalore

Pat for Akshaya Patra Officials, NGOs should focus on serving people: Minister

Staff Reporter

BANGALORE: "Akshaya Patra's service to society is commendable," Basavaraj S. Horatti, Minister for Primary and Higher Secondary Education, said. The administration and non-governmental organisations should give priority to serving people, he said.

He was speaking after inaugurating the Akshara Dasoha seminar for members of the zilla panchayat, which was jointly organised by Zilla Panchayat and Public Education Department, Bangalore district, and Akshaya Patra Foundation.

The seminar, organised to strengthen the State Government's mid-day meal programme, focussed on the programme's effectiveness, medical intervention, environment-related issues and cleanliness in schools. Making children aware of the need for cleanliness would create a safe environment, said Chanchalapathi Das, vice-chairman of Akshaya Patra Foundation.