Midday Meal Scheme: India
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History
THE GROWING SCHEME
Aug 15, 1995 | Union govt launches Midday Meal Scheme in 2,408 blocks as a dry rations scheme. Based on scheme running successfully in Tamil Nadu since 1960s. By 1997-98 introduced in all blocks
April 2002 | Cooked meals scheme extended to all Government-assisted primary schools, local body schools
Sept 2006 | Nutrition boost to scheme: Cooked meal with 450 calories, 12g protein to kids in primary classes (I-V)
April 2008 | Scheme expands to include all kids studying in schools and learning-centres like madrassas etc supported under Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan
By 2011-12, Over 2.4 million cooks/helpers mostly women engaged. Over 570,000 kitchens and stores in schools
2013: 10.7 crore children under scheme
Nutritional and hygienic servings have been major challenges in most states
Several scams busted where food-grain is pilfered, poor quality meals served