Karnataka has plans to start offering eggs under the Midday Meal Scheme (MDMS) for their school children. The MDMS is one of the largest programs globally aimed at improving nutrition levels of school-aged children through the provision of hot cooked meals. However, the inclusion of eggs has sparked controversy due to varying dietary choices across the country.
Mid Day Meal scheme: An Insight
The Midday Meal scheme, also known as PM Poshan Shakti Nirman or PM Poshan, serves as the largest school feeding program in the world. Its main aim is to increase school enrolment rates by providing meals to students from Classes 1 through 8 in government schools. Introduced as a pilot scheme in 1995, the program initially catered to students from Classes 1 to 5. It was later scaled up to Class 8 by October 2007. Currently, the program provides meals to approximately 11.80 crore children aged 6 to 14 across India.
Legal Entitlement and Federal Setup
Not just a scheme, the MDMS is a legal entitlement for all school-going children in primary and upper primary grades under the National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013. This was further reaffirmed by the Supreme Court’s ruling in People’s Union of Civil Liberties vs Union of India and Others in 2001. The funding allocation for the meals varies depending on the location, with the cost being shared between the central and state governments in different ratios.
The Controversy Surrounding Egg Inclusion
Dietary preferences in India are a point of contention due to caste rigidity, religious conservatism, and regional differences. Despite multiple scientific studies demonstrating the benefits of including eggs in children’s diets, many states remain hesitant about adding them to school lunch menus.
Associated Challenges
Several issues have arisen in connection with the MDMS. Corrupt practices such as serving plain chapatis with salt, diluting milk with water, and instances of food poisoning have been reported. The caste system’s influence extends to meal times in some schools, where children are separated based on caste.
Tackling Malnutrition
According to the National Family Health Survey-5, several states have reported worsening child malnutrition levels. The Global Nutrition Report of 2021 reports no progress on anaemia and childhood wasting in India. Furthermore, India ranks 101 out of 116 countries in the Global Hunger Index 2021, slipping from its 94th position in 2020.
Looking Ahead
There is an urgent need for measures targeting early detection and care, focusing mainly on improving maternal education and health. A holistic approach to nutrition and health that includes enhancing the school meal menu can significantly impact reducing the prevalence of malnutrition and stunting across the country. This will also ensure inter-generational benefits given the fact that Indian girls often finish school, marry, and bear children within a short span.
Last Modified: February 15, 2024