It was first conceptualized in 1995 to improve enrolment, retention and attendance of students along with improving nutritional levels among children via National Programme of Nutritional Support to Primary Education (NP-NSPE).
With subsequent changes in 2004 and 2006, the scheme was revised to provide cooked mid-day meals to students studying in class 1 to 5. In 2007 though, the scheme was extended for the students of class 8.
