Q9.  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.

Model Answer:

Introduction

The Mid-Day Meal (MDM) scheme, rooted in India’s pre-independence era, aims to combat classroom hunger and promote universal education by providing nutritious meals to school children. The scheme’s twin objectives are to improve nutritional status and enhance school attendance among economically disadvantaged students.

Body

Objectives and Impact:

• Nutritional Support: MDM addresses malnutrition, supplying essential nutrients for children’s physical and cognitive development. Studies show improved health outcomes in participating states.
• Boosting School Attendance: Free meals incentivize parents to send children to school, contributing to increased enrollment and retention, particularly for girls and marginalized communities.

Latest Mandates and Success:

• ‍Recent updates, like calorie and protein standards and fortified food requirements, aim to enhance meal quality. The scheme also employs women as cooks, promoting social inclusion. However, challenges such as fund delays, quality issues, and poor infrastructure affect its efficacy.

Conclusion

‍The MDM scheme has shown positive outcomes, yet consistent monitoring and quality improvements are crucial to fully realize its goals of addressing child malnutrition and improving educational access.

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