The Akshaya Patra Foundation began its operation as a NGO in Vadodara in November 2009. With the support of Government and various generous contributors, this NGO in Vadodara feeds 113,593 children in around the city. Every day the centralised kitchen of this NGO delivers mid-day meal to around 616 Government schools to feed the children of Vadodara. Vadodara is Akshaya Patra's second location in Gujarat after Gandhinagar that was inaugurated in June 2007. In total, Akshaya Patra caters to more than four lakhs children in Gujarat thereby covering above 1,600 Government schools.
Apart from being operational as a NGO in Vadodara, Akshaya Patra has its firm presence in 22 other locations of India touching upon 10 states. By feeding the children of Government schools Akshaya Patra aims at supporting them not just nutritionally but also academically. It has been observed that the mid-day meal has positively impacted in the academic performance of the beneficiaries across all serving states. It has also aided in increasing enrolment and daily attendance of the children. The programme has been of significant importance in countering classroom hunger and drop-out rate. Witnessing these positive changes, Akshaya Patra looks forward to further increase its reach.
The NGO is constantly striving to reach its mission of feeding 5 million children by 2020. In doing so, it seeks the support of the society. Akshaya Patra works in a Public-Private Partnership model. Like any other organisation even Akshaya Patra feels the need of NGO donation to run and extend its programme. As of the financial year ending March 2013, around 51% of funding has been accounted for by both Central Government and respective State Government grants and subsidies, allowing the organisation to focus on raising the rest through NGO donation. It has also received support from the Central Government's Finance Ministry, to seek NGO donation under Section 35 AC and 80 G of the Income Tax Act.
Akshaya Patra needs fund to run its day-to-day activities of running its kitchens and related activities, not just as a NGO in Vadodara, but in general to feed the children across all 10 states. Each day, this Indian NGO feeds the children of Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Odisha, Gujarat, Chhattisgarh, Telangana and Tamil Nadu. It understands the significance of its donor's contribution towards the cause. Hence to enhance donor experience and ease donation process, Akshaya Patra has implemented a user-friendly and simple online donation module in its website. Apart from an easy donation process, a donor upon contributing more than Rs. 500 as NGO donation to Akshaya Patra is eligible for 100% tax exemption under Section 80G of the Income Tax Act.
With Akshaya Patra, it just takes Rs. 750 to feed one child for an entire year. Your contribution acts as a catalyst in feeding the children of India who rightfully deserves at least one wholesome meal. Choose to invest Rs. 750!
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