MID-DAY Meal Scheme

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.

Issues and Controversies

• With time the focus of the scheme has been limited to ensure wider reach rather than maintaining quality. The government only concentrates on statistics as to how many number of schools they are able to cover and provide food.
• No proper inspection to inspect the quality of meals; instances like that of Bihar where 23 childrens died post eating mid-day meal are shocking.
• Prevailing corruption results in food supplies being diverted, supplies being halved and large scale wastages.
• The social evils of casteism, class divide results into exclusion errors. Though 99% of schools are providing mid-day meals but the frequency varies from one meal a day to one meal a week.
• Mid-day meal scheme has not just revolutionized child healthcare scenario in India by addressing malnutrition but has also ensured retention and high enrollment of children in schools. Hence it’s a major success.

In 2021, the Mid Day meal scheme has been renamed as PM POSHAN. It is expected to benefit 11.80 crore children studying in 11.20 lakh schools across the country. PM POSHAN has been launched for a period of five years, from 2021-22 to 2025-26.