How has the mid-day meal scheme progressed over the years in India? History of the mid-day meal scheme The roots of the mid-day meal scheme can be traced back to the preindependence era in India, wherein Britain’s administration introduced the scheme in the 1920s. A handful of states began implementing similar programme through the years, but the official scheme was launched in 1995. Towards the end of 2001, the Supreme Court of India passed a landmark decision mandating the implementation of the mid-day meal scheme across the nation. This decision directed all government-assisted and non-assisted schools to be required to provide cooked meals to all the students. Aims of the mid-day meal scheme The mid-day meal scheme was launched to take the burden of feeding children away from low-income families who could not afford to. The intent was to improve the nutritional status of children by providing high-quality, nutritious food, and ultimately mitigating malnourishment and starvation in the nation. The initiative also aimed to incentivize more children to attend school, absorb the lessons taught and participate in activities.
Mid day meal scheme
Impact created The scheme has shown to have a positive cascading impact across several states in India. The wholesome meals provided have protected many children from the effects of malnourishment. The rates of school enrolments and regular attendance have also risen. This is a large sign of progress as many families in the past had put a pause on their children’s education and pushed them towards labor or early marriage. The mid-day meal programme has also protected young children from classroom hunger, allowing them to focus and grasp the concepts of the curriculum, without feeling weak or lethargic. The nutrition provided has prevented the stunting of physical and mental growth amongst children. As children grow older and can concentrate in the classroom, they are able to fully leverage the power of education. Through this, children widen their skill set and improve their chances of being employed. The initiative has also been seen to improve social equity, as children of different castes and creeds receive their meals together. This encourages socialization and reduces the scope of discrimination amongst groups.
Future of the scheme The mid-day meal scheme has not only mitigated short-term issues but has held many communities in good stead for the future. The parties responsible for the implementation of the scheme must continue to focus on providing the highest quality of meals, containing adequate quantities of nourishment for growing children.