Q17.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 Mid-Day Meal (MDM) scheme, rooted in pre-independence Madras Presidency, was revitalized to address child welfare and educational outcomes, gaining significant impetus across states in recent decades.

Twin Objectives

• Enhancing school enrolment, retention, and attendance.
• Improving the nutritional status of children.

Latest Mandates

• Supreme Court directives (2001, 2004) made it a statutory right.
• Specified nutritional standards (calories, protein) and quality control.
• Emphasis on hygiene, social audit, and integration with Aadhar/DBT pilots.

Successes

• Significant increase in school enrolment and attendance, reducing dropout rates.
• Improved nutritional levels and reduced classroom hunger.
• Promoted social equity and women's empowerment (cooks).

Challenges

• Issues of food quality, hygiene, and occasional caste discrimination.
• Corruption, irregular supply of food grains, and inadequate infrastructure.
• Monitoring gaps and persistent nutritional deficiencies.

While MDM has significantly advanced child welfare and education, addressing operational shortcomings through robust monitoring, community participation, and improved infrastructure is crucial for its sustained impact and realizing its full potential.