Senate Questions Feasibility of Costly Free Milk Scheme

Nadeem Tanoli

Islamabad: A proposal to provide free milk to students in Islamabad’s public schools has sparked intense debate in the Senate, as officials raise concerns over its financial feasibility and logistical hurdles.

The idea, introduced by Senator Sarmad Ali during a meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Federal Education and Professional Training, aims to combat malnutrition and stunting by distributing milk to schoolchildren throughout the academic year. However, the government has flagged significant challenges.

According to officials, supplying milk to just half of Islamabad’s public school students around 56,000 children—for 170 days would cost over Rs 900 million annually. Expanding the program to all students could exceed Rs 2 billion, with no funding currently allocated for such an initiative.

Beyond the financial strain, logistical issues also surfaced. Officials cited milk’s short shelf life and the need for a cold chain infrastructure something Pakistan’s public education system currently lacks.

Safety concerns, including the risk of spoilage and lactose intolerance, were also raised. Citing guidance from international partners such as the World Food Programme, officials suggested full meal programs might offer safer and more sustainable nutrition alternatives.

Despite the challenges, the committee opted not to discard the idea entirely. Instead, it is exploring the possibility of launching the initiative through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. Members pointed to successful milk distribution efforts in Punjab, where companies like Nestlé, Friesland, and All Fresh provide milk in schools under their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programs.

Officials praised these private-led models for incorporating digital tools to track deliveries and monitor children’s health indicators like height and eyesight, ensuring transparency and impact.

Some committee members advocated for a targeted approach. Senator Kamran Murtaza proposed limiting the milk program to students from low-income or underserved families, potentially linking it to Zakat funds to ensure that only the most vulnerable children benefit. “Families who can afford it are likely to opt out,” he noted.

Chairperson Senator Bushra Anjum Butt emphasized that while child nutrition is a national priority, any intervention must be cost-effective, well-managed, and based on sound planning.

The committee agreed to invite representatives from the private sector—particularly those involved in Punjab’s milk programs—to the next meeting to discuss potential partnerships and scaling options.

The report was published in the Minit Mirror, a newspaper based in Islamabad, and has been reproduced by PenPK.com.