Mid Day Meal Scheme in India

Mid Day Meal

Introduction 

One of the most major social welfare programmes the Indian government has implemented is the Mid Day Meal Scheme. It was started in 1995 with the intention of giving prepared meals to school-age kids from economically underprivileged groups of society. 

The programme seeks to tackle the issue of undernourishment and promote increased enrollment and regular attendance among kids. Primary and upper primary schools are included in the Mid Day Meal Scheme, which is implemented throughout the nation. The plan has achieved its goals with great achievement, and the United Nations and other global organisations supported it.

The Value of the Midday Meal Programme

The Mid Day Meal Programme has been instrumental in raising school-age children's enrolment and attendance rates. Children frequently attend school in India on an empty stomach since many households cannot afford to feed them good meals, which has an impact on their focus and general performance. The Mid Day Meal Programme offers kids a filling lunch that encourages academic success and helps them concentrate on their studies.

Additionally, the programme has made a major impact on the general health and wellbeing of kids from socioeconomically disadvantaged groups in society. India suffers from a serious malnutrition problem, and the Mid Day lunch Scheme has made a difference by giving kids a nutritious lunch. Malnutrition and its associated health issues, like as stunting and wasting, have decreased as a result of this.

The programme has also reduced the number of school-age children who drop out. Children from socioeconomically challenged groups frequently leave school to work or support their family. These kids have an incentive to stay in school thanks to the midday meal programme, which guarantees they have a healthy meal each day. As a result, dropout rates have decreased, and ensure more children receive an education.

Goals of the Mid Day Meal Programme

The Mid Day Meal Scheme's key goals are:

Too raise school-age children's enrolment and attendance rates.

To deal with the issue of malnutrition among kids from economically underprivileged groups in society.

To motivate kids to finish their education by staying in school.

Among students, to encourage socialisation and a sense of belonging.

Implementation of the Mid Day Meal Programme

The federal government and the state governments are working together to execute the Mid Day Meal Scheme.

The essential funding is provided by the federal government, while the scheme's execution falls under the purview of the state governments.

The programme is available to all elementary and upper primary schools, and the meals served must adhere to a set of nutritional requirements. Rice, dal, veggies, and a protein source like eggs or meat are the usual ingredients for this meal. Children will receive a balanced lunch that satisfies their nutritional needs according to the menu's design.

The meals are prepared in the school kitchens, and either the school employees or nearby women's self-help organisations are in charge of preparing and serving them. 

Children are encouraged to eat with one another in a group setting when the meals are provided at noon. In addition to enhancing children's nutritional state, this encourages socialisation and a sense of belonging among them.

Effects of the Midday Meal Programme

The Mid Day Meal Scheme has made a big difference in Indian children's schooling and general well-being. The plan has helped to enhance academic performance and dropout rates while also raising enrolment and attendance rates.

The enrollment rate in basic schools went from 80.9% in 2004 to 96.7% in 2016, while the enrollment rate in upper primary schools rose from 55.9% in 2004 to 84.4% in 2016, according to a study by the Ministry of Education. The dropout rate reduced from 8.6% in 2009 to 4.3% in 2016, according to the research.

Additionally, research has shown that the Mid Day Meal Scheme has improved the nutritional condition of kids. According to a World Food Programme research, the programme significantly decreased the incidence of stunting and wasting among children in India.

Conclusion

The Government of India has launched a significant programme called the Mid Day Meal Scheme to combat childhood malnutrition and motivate kids to stay in school and finish their education. The programme has been successful in fulfilling its goals and has had a favourable effect on school-age children's enrolment and attendance rates.

The programme has assisted in addressing the issue of malnutrition among children from economically disadvantaged areas of society thanks to the nutritional standards of the meals, which are aimed to give them a balanced and healthy diet.

The programme, however, also confronts a number of difficulties and critiques, including the calibre of the meals, the dearth of facilities and equipment, as well as fraud and poor administration. To guarantee that the plan is implemented properly and efficiently, these challenges must be addressed.

Overall, efforts should be made to develop and improve the Mid Day Meal Scheme in order to guarantee that it continues to benefit children in the future. The Mid Day Meal Scheme is a crucial initiative for the welfare of school-aged children in India.