Mid Day Meals Scheme

The Mid Day Meals Scheme (MDM) is a welfare program introduced by the government to address the issues of hunger, malnutrition, and low school attendance among children. The scheme aims to provide free and nutritious meals to school children across the country. Under this initiative, a hot cooked meal is served to children in primary and upper primary schools.

The primary objectives of the Mid Day Meals Scheme are twofold. Firstly, it seeks to improve the nutritional status of children, ensuring they receive a balanced diet and essential nutrients necessary for their growth and development. Secondly, it aims to increase school attendance and retention rates by removing the barrier of hunger and incentivizing parents to send their children to school.

• Students in Government and Government-aided schools: The scheme primarily targets students studying in government and government-aided schools across India. Children enrolled in classes from the primary level up to the secondary level are eligible to benefit from the scheme.
• Age criteria: The scheme typically covers children between the ages of 6 and 14 years. However, specific age requirements may vary slightly from state to state or depending on the educational policies of different regions.
• Socio-economic criteria: The Mid Day Meals Scheme aims to benefit children from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Typically, children belonging to families with below-poverty-line (BPL) status or those from marginalized communities are given priority for enrollment in the scheme.
• School attendance: One of the key eligibility criteria for availing the benefits of the scheme is regular school attendance. Students are expected to attend school regularly to receive the mid-day meals.
• Enrolled in recognized schools: Children must be enrolled in schools recognized by the appropriate education authorities to be eligible for the scheme. The scheme is primarily implemented in schools that adhere to the government's educational standards and guidelines.