The Mid-Day Meal Scheme was launched by the Ministry of Human Resource Development (Department of Education) with effect from 15th August, 1995 for the benefit of students in primary schools. The Scheme presently covers students of Class I-VIII in the Government Primary Schools / Upper Primary Schools/ Schools aided by Govt. and the Schools run by local bodies.
The Department of Food & Public Distribution makes allocation of annual requirement of foodgrains under the Scheme to Department of School Education & Literacy, Ministry of Human Resource Development.
It involves provision of lunch free of cost to school-children on all working days. The key objectives of the programme are:
protecting children from classroom hunger,
increasing school enrolment and attendance,
improved socialisation among children belonging to all castes,
addressing malnutrition, and
social empowerment through provision of employment to women.
The scheme has a long history especially in Tamil Nadu and Gujarat, and has been expanded to all parts of India after a landmark direction by the Supreme Court of India on November 28, 2001. The success of this scheme is illustrated by the tremendous increase in the school participation and completion rates.
Last modified: Saturday, 3 December 2011, 10:15 AM
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