Midday Meal Scheme
The Midday Meal Scheme, officially known as the Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman (PM-POSHAN) Scheme since September 2021, is a significant school meal program in India that aims to enhance the nutritional status of children in schools. It was launched on August 15, 1995, under the name National Programme of Nutritional Support to Primary Education. The scheme offers free lunches on working days to students in government and government-aided primary and upper primary schools.
Objectives of the Scheme:
- Nutritional Support: Improve the nutritional levels of children.
- Educational Advancement: Increase enrollment, retention, and attendance in schools.
- Social Equity: Foster social integration by ensuring children from various backgrounds eat together.
Nutritional Standards:
Under this program, every primary school child gets a meal packed with at least 450 calories and 12 grams of protein, while those in upper primary enjoy meals that offer 700 calories and 20 grams of protein. These meals are thoughtfully crafted to deliver the essential nutrients needed for children’s growth and development.
Implementation in Assam:
In Assam, the Midday Meal Scheme was initiated during the 2004-05 financial year. The program covers all children studying in government, local body, and government-aided primary and upper primary schools, as well as centers supported under Samagra Shiksha. The scheme aims to boost and sustain the objectives of Universal Primary Education by providing nutritious meals to students.
Recent Developments:
In response to rising food prices and to ensure the continued provision of nutritious meals, the Government of India decided to increase the material cost for midday meals under the PM-POSHAN Scheme, effective December 1, 2024. This adjustment aims to address the challenges posed by food inflation and maintain the quality of meals provided to students.