The concept of the Mid-Day Meal (MDM) scheme is almost a century old in India with early beginnings in the Madras Presidency in pre-independent India. The scheme has again been given impetus in most states in the last two decades. Critically examine its twin objectives, latest mandates, and success.
The concept of the Mid-Day Meal (MDM) scheme is almost a century old in India with early beginnings in the Madras Presidency in pre-independent India. The scheme has again been given impetus in most states in the last two decades. Critically examine its twin objectives, latest mandates, and success.
Subject: Social Justice
The Mid-Day Meal (MDM) scheme, initiated in the Madras Presidency in 1925 by the British administration, has evolved from a regional initiative to India's largest school meal program, now known as PM POSHAN, serving as a cornerstone of nutritional security and educational empowerment.
Twin Objectives
Primary Objectives:
- Nutritional Enhancement: Addressing malnutrition and hunger among school-going children through provision of hot-cooked meals meeting prescribed nutritional standards.
- Educational Advancement: Improving enrollment, attendance, and retention rates in schools by incentivizing regular attendance through meal provision.
Latest Mandates
Current Framework:
- PM POSHAN Scheme: Launched in 2021 with a total outlay of ₹1,30,794.90 crore for 2021-26, incorporating new elements beyond traditional MDM.
- Coverage Extension: Encompassing pre-primary students in government and government-aided schools under NEP 2020.
- Nutritional Standards: Mandatory provision of minimum 450 calories and 12g protein for primary students and 700 calories and 20g protein for upper primary students.
Success Analysis
Achievements:
- Enrollment Impact: Serving 77,919,46 students (approximately 69% of enrolled) in 2024-25, demonstrating significant reach.
- Nutritional Outcomes: Studies in Odisha show protein and iron meeting over 50% of RDAs, contributing to improved nutrition.
- Gender Parity: Enhanced girl child enrollment and retention in schools, promoting educational equity.
Challenges:
- Quality Concerns: Studies in Delhi indicate below-recommended energy and protein content in meals.
- Coverage Gaps: Projected decrease of 10 lakh students in coverage for 2025-26 compared to 2023-24.
- Implementation Issues: Varying nutritional content across states, with some nutrients like calcium and zinc falling below 30% of RDAs.
The transformation of MDM into PM POSHAN represents a significant evolution in India's approach to school feeding programs. While challenges persist, its success in addressing twin objectives of nutrition and education makes it a crucial instrument for achieving SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG 4 (Quality Education), requiring continued focus on quality enhancement and coverage expansion.
Answer Length
Model answers may exceed the word limit for better clarity and depth. Use them as a guide, but always frame your final answer within the exam’s prescribed limit.
In just 60 sec
Evaluate your handwritten answer
- Get detailed feedback
- Model Answer after evaluation
Crack UPSC with your
Personal AI Mentor
An AI-powered ecosystem to learn, practice, and evaluate with discipline
