National Programme of Nutritional Support to Primary Education, 2004 (Mid-Day Meal Scheme) Guidelines

Abstract

National Programme of Nutritional Support to Primary Education [commonly known as the Mid- Day Meal Scheme] was launched as a Centrally sponsored Scheme on 15th August, 1995. Its objective was to boost “universalisation of primary education by increasing enrolment, retention and attendance and simultaneously impacting on nutrition of students in primary classes”. It was implemented in 2408 blocks in the first year, and covered the whole country in a phased manner by 1997-98. The programme originally covered children of primary stage (Classes I to V) in government, local body & government-aided schools, and was extended in October, 2002, to cover children studying in Education Guarantee Scheme (EGS) and Alternative & Innovative Education (AIE) Centres also.