Bhutan’s Cabinet has approved a revised stipend rate for over 90,000 students to combat child malnutrition. The revised stipend for boarders receiving three meals a day has been increased from Nu 1,500 to Nu 3,100 per child per month. Students receiving two meals daily will receive Nu 2,065, while day scholars and others receiving one meal will receive Nu 1,035. The increase is a crucial step in improving student nutrition. A national nutrition survey revealed that 8.8% of children under five are underweight, 5.1% are too thin for their height, and 17.9% are stunted, indicating chronic malnutrition. Bhutan has 467 feeding schools serving 90,569 students, with 187 schools providing three meals daily, 345 serving two meals, and 49 offering one meal. The education ministry has introduced a school meal menu to meet dietary needs, and tea has been removed from school menus to improve nutritional intake.
The majority of the updated stipend will be used directly by schools to purchase perishable goods including meat, dairy, and vegetables. The remaining funds will be utilized for FCBL-provided non-perishable commodities that are centrally acquired. The MoESD’s Health and Wellbeing Division supervises implementation and conducts ad hoc inspections to guarantee adherence to dietary guidelines. According to officials, the government’s determination to combat childhood malnutrition and its long-term repercussions on schooling, growth, and cognitive development is reflected in the updated menu framework and enhanced monitoring.