Mid-Day Meal (MDM) Scheme
About
The National Programme of Nutritional Support to Primary Education (NP-NSPE) was launched on 15th August, 199 5 and being continued now as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) with the objective of increasing enrolment, attendance and retention of children studying in primary classes (I-V) in Government, Government-aided and Local Body Schools and to provide nutritional support simultaneously. Over the years, the scheme has undergone several changes1w ith regard to coverage, quantity of food grains and financial assistance.
In the year 2008-09, the sch eme was extended to upper primary classess. The name of the scheme has been changed t o ‘National Programme of Mid Day Meal in Schools’ and is popularly known as Mid Day Meal Scheme.
Objectives
The objectives of the scheme are:
- Improve nutritional status of the children in classes I to VIII of Government, Local Body and Government-Aided S chools, Special Training Centres (STC), Mad arsas and Maqtabs supported under Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA).
- Encouraging poor children belonging to disadvantaged sections to attend school more regularly and help them c oncentrate on classroom activities.
- Providing nutritional supp ort to children of elementary stage in drou ght-affected areas during summer vacation.
Beneficiary:
Children of Government School in class I to VIII.
Benefits:
Children of elementary age get nutritional support.