The midday meal programme in India
The midday meal programme in India, also known as the
PM-POSHAN (POshan SHAkti Nirman) scheme, is a nationwide initiative aimed at
improving the nutritional status of school-age children. Here’s a breakdown of
the programme:
What is it?
A government-funded scheme providing free lunches to
children in government and government-aided schools.Covers children from pre-primary to Class 8 (ages 6-14
years).Serves cooked meals with minimum nutritional standards for
calories and protein.Aims to address child malnutrition, improve school
attendance, and boost educational outcomes.
History and Impact:
Launched in 1995, it’s the world’s largest school feeding
program.Reaches over 120 million children in 1.27 million schools
across India.Has significantly reduced child malnutrition and improved
school enrollment and attendance.Has faced challenges with implementation, including quality
control and resource allocation.Current Status:
Renamed PM-POSHAN in 2020 with a focus on holistic nutrition
and improved monitoring.
Aims to strengthen the programme through technology,
community involvement, and focus on local food sourcing.Continued efforts are needed to ensure effective
implementation and address remaining challenges.
Here are some areas I can cover:
History and objectives: Learn
about its origins, how it evolved, and its main goals for children’s education
and health.
Current status and impact: Discover
its reach, the number of children served, and its overall impact on reducing
hunger and malnutrition.
Challenges and solutions: Understand
the obstacles faced by the programme and the efforts being made to overcome
them.
Specific details in your region: If
you’re interested in a particular state or area in India, I can provide
information about the local implementation and challenges.
Comparison with other similar
programmes: Explore how it compares to other school meal programmes around
the world.
Ah, the Midday Meal Programme! It’s a crucial initiative in
India addressing both education and nutrition for children. Since you haven’t
provided specific questions, I’ll offer a general overview. Feel free to ask
anything specific you’re curious about:What is the Midday Meal Programme?
It’s a government-funded scheme providing free lunches to
children studying in government and government-aided primary and upper primary
schools, also covering Anganwadis (pre-primary centres) and Madarsas. This aims
to:Improve nutritional levels: Combat childhood
malnutrition and hunger, improving overall health and well-being.Boost school attendance: Encourage enrolment and
retention, especially for children from disadvantaged backgrounds.Enhance cognitive development: Ensure proper nutrition
allows children to focus and learn effectively.
Key features of the programme:
Hot, cooked meals: Menus are tailored to regional
preferences and nutritional needs, typically providing 450-700 calories
per meal.Diverse menu: Meals may include
rice, pulses, vegetables, eggs, milk, etc., ensuring
a balanced diet.Local sourcing: Ingredients are often sourced
locally, supporting farmers and boosting community involvement.Community participation: Some states encourage
community cooking, fostering ownership and cultural integration.
Challenges and future directions:
Ensuring quality and hygiene: Maintaining sanitation
and food safety standards across millions of meals is a continuous effort.Addressing dietary diversity and allergies: Catering to
individual needs requires flexibility and customization.Expanding reach and funding: The programme faces
challenges in covering remote areas and ensuring adequate funding.Overall, the Midday Meal Programme has made a significant
impact in India. It’s not just about food; it’s about empowering children and
building a healthier, more educated future.