1. Definition of the Mid-Day Meal Scheme
The Mid-Day Meal Scheme (MDMS) is a government-sponsored program in India that provides free, nutritious meals to school children to enhance nutrition, encourage education, and promote social equity. It is one of the largest school feeding programs in the world, ensuring that children from disadvantaged backgrounds receive at least one healthy meal per school day.
2. Objectives of the Mid-Day Meal Scheme
- Improve Child Nutrition – Address malnutrition and undernutrition in school-aged children.
- Increase School Enrollment & Attendance – Encourage children from economically weaker sections to attend school.
- Enhance Learning Ability – Proper nutrition leads to better cognitive development and academic performance.
- Promote Social Equity – Children from different social and economic backgrounds eat together, reducing caste-based discrimination.
3. Nutritional Standards of the Mid-Day Meal
| Class Level | Calories (kcal) | Protein (grams) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary (Class I-V) | 450 kcal | 12g |
| Upper Primary (Class VI-VIII) | 700 kcal | 20g |
Composition of a Typical Mid-Day Meal
- Staples: Rice or wheat.
- Pulses: Dal (lentils) for protein.
- Vegetables: Seasonal greens for vitamins and minerals.
- Dairy: Milk or curd to support bone health.
- Fruits: Occasionally provided for micronutrients.
4. Implementation & Monitoring
- Ministry of Education, India oversees the implementation of the scheme.
- State Governments & Local Authorities manage distribution and quality control.
- NGOs and Self-Help Groups (SHGs) assist in meal preparation and supply chain management.
- School Management Committees (SMCs) monitor hygiene and ensure transparency.
5. Benefits of the Mid-Day Meal Scheme
- Reduces Malnutrition – Helps combat hunger and provides essential nutrients.
- Encourages Education – Increases enrollment rates, especially for girls.
- Boosts Cognitive Development – A well-fed child performs better in school.
- Employment Generation – Provides jobs to local women as cooks.
- Enhances Social Inclusion – Fosters a sense of equality among children from diverse backgrounds.
6. Challenges & Solutions
| Challenges | Solutions |
| Quality & Hygiene Issues | Regular food safety inspections and quality audits. |
| Corruption & Fund Misuse | Digital monitoring, biometric attendance of cooks. |
| Food Wastage | Awareness programs on responsible consumption. |
| Delays in Fund Allocation | Direct Benefit Transfers (DBT) to schools. |
7. Mid-Day Meal Success Stories
- Tamil Nadu – One of the earliest states to successfully implement the program, leading to higher literacy rates.
- Odisha – Introduced fortified rice to enhance nutritional value.
- Karnataka – Partnerships with NGOs like Akshaya Patra for efficient meal distribution.
8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Who funds the Mid-Day Meal Scheme?
✅ The program is jointly funded by the Central and State Governments in a 60:40 ratio (for most states) and 90:10 for Northeastern & hilly states.
Q2: Are private schools included in the scheme?
❌ No, it is only implemented in government and government-aided schools.
Q3: What is the role of NGOs in the scheme?
✅ NGOs assist in meal preparation, supply chain management, and quality control.
Q4: Does the Mid-Day Meal Scheme operate during school vacations?
❌ No, it is only provided on school working days.