{"id":27550,"date":"2024-02-16T05:57:20","date_gmt":"2024-02-16T05:57:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/?p=27550"},"modified":"2024-02-16T05:57:22","modified_gmt":"2024-02-16T05:57:22","slug":"the-concept-of-mid-day-meal-mdm-scheme-is-almost-a-century-old-in-india-with-early-beginnings-in-madras-presidency-in-pre-independent-india-the-scheme-has-again-been-given-impetus-in-most-states-in","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/the-concept-of-mid-day-meal-mdm-scheme-is-almost-a-century-old-in-india-with-early-beginnings-in-madras-presidency-in-pre-independent-india-the-scheme-has-again-been-given-impetus-in-most-states-in\/","title":{"rendered":"The concept of Mid-Day Meal (MDM) scheme is almost a century old in India with early beginnings in 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. (200 words, 10 marks)"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/upsc\/upsc-gs-advance-and-mentorship-program-ampcsat?utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Link&amp;utm_campaign=GS+Advanced\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1280\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Attempt-our-Daily-Weekly-Current-Affairs-Quiz-now-8.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-43397\" srcset=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Attempt-our-Daily-Weekly-Current-Affairs-Quiz-now-8.png 1280w, https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Attempt-our-Daily-Weekly-Current-Affairs-Quiz-now-8-1170x274.png 1170w, https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Attempt-our-Daily-Weekly-Current-Affairs-Quiz-now-8-585x137.png 585w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>The Mid-Day Meal (MDM) scheme, rooted in India&#8217;s history, traces its origins back almost a century to the Madras Presidency during the pre-independence era. While its inception dates back decades, the scheme has experienced a resurgence and garnered renewed attention across most states in the past two decades. This revival underscores its significance in addressing critical issues concerning education, nutrition, and societal welfare. Critically examining its twin objectives reveals a dual focus on combating malnutrition among school children and enhancing school attendance and retention rates. The scheme&#8217;s latest mandates aim to not only provide nutritious meals but also ensure quality standards, nutritional balance, and regular monitoring mechanisms. Success in the implementation of the MDM scheme is measured by its ability to achieve these objectives effectively. Key indicators of success include improved nutritional outcomes among children, increased enrollment, reduced dropout rates, and enhanced academic performance. However, challenges persist, including issues related to infrastructure, quality assurance, and equitable distribution. Therefore, while the MDM scheme has made significant strides, a critical evaluation is necessary to address its shortcomings and further optimize its impact on India&#8217;s education and public health landscape.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\"><p><strong>Tag: <\/strong>Social justice.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_73 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-69d2c772df503\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-cssicon\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-69d2c772df503\"  \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/the-concept-of-mid-day-meal-mdm-scheme-is-almost-a-century-old-in-india-with-early-beginnings-in-madras-presidency-in-pre-independent-india-the-scheme-has-again-been-given-impetus-in-most-states-in\/#Decoding_the_Question\" title=\"Decoding the Question:&nbsp;&nbsp;\">Decoding the Question:&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/the-concept-of-mid-day-meal-mdm-scheme-is-almost-a-century-old-in-india-with-early-beginnings-in-madras-presidency-in-pre-independent-india-the-scheme-has-again-been-given-impetus-in-most-states-in\/#Answer\" title=\"Answer:&nbsp;&nbsp;\">Answer:&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/the-concept-of-mid-day-meal-mdm-scheme-is-almost-a-century-old-in-india-with-early-beginnings-in-madras-presidency-in-pre-independent-india-the-scheme-has-again-been-given-impetus-in-most-states-in\/#Objectives_and_Mandate_of_MDM_Scheme\" title=\"Objectives and Mandate of MDM Scheme:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;\">Objectives and Mandate of MDM Scheme:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/the-concept-of-mid-day-meal-mdm-scheme-is-almost-a-century-old-in-india-with-early-beginnings-in-madras-presidency-in-pre-independent-india-the-scheme-has-again-been-given-impetus-in-most-states-in\/#The_success_of_MDM_Scheme\" title=\"The success of MDM Scheme:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\">The success of MDM Scheme:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/the-concept-of-mid-day-meal-mdm-scheme-is-almost-a-century-old-in-india-with-early-beginnings-in-madras-presidency-in-pre-independent-india-the-scheme-has-again-been-given-impetus-in-most-states-in\/#Concerns_Related_to_MDM_Scheme\" title=\"Concerns Related to MDM Scheme:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;\">Concerns Related to MDM Scheme:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/the-concept-of-mid-day-meal-mdm-scheme-is-almost-a-century-old-in-india-with-early-beginnings-in-madras-presidency-in-pre-independent-india-the-scheme-has-again-been-given-impetus-in-most-states-in\/#Measures_to_Strengthen_MDM_Scheme\" title=\"Measures to Strengthen MDM Scheme:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;\">Measures to Strengthen MDM Scheme:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/the-concept-of-mid-day-meal-mdm-scheme-is-almost-a-century-old-in-india-with-early-beginnings-in-madras-presidency-in-pre-independent-india-the-scheme-has-again-been-given-impetus-in-most-states-in\/#In_case_you_still_have_your_doubts_contact_us_on_9811333901\" title=\"In case you still have your doubts, contact us on 9811333901.&nbsp;\">In case you still have your doubts, contact us on 9811333901.&nbsp;<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/the-concept-of-mid-day-meal-mdm-scheme-is-almost-a-century-old-in-india-with-early-beginnings-in-madras-presidency-in-pre-independent-india-the-scheme-has-again-been-given-impetus-in-most-states-in\/#Visit_our_YouTube_Channel_%E2%80%93_here\" title=\"Visit our YouTube Channel &#8211;&nbsp;here\">Visit our YouTube Channel &#8211;&nbsp;here<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Decoding_the_Question\"><\/span><strong>Decoding the Question:<\/strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>In Introduction, try to briefly write about the Mid-Day meal (MDM) scheme and growing impetus on it.&nbsp;<\/strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li><li><strong>In Body,&nbsp;<\/strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li><li><strong>Mention its objectives, mandates, and success of the scheme.&nbsp;<\/strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li><li><strong>Also, write issues related to MDM schemes.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li><li><strong>Can suggest some measures to strengthen the MDM scheme.<\/strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li><li><strong>In Conclusion, try to write about the overall significance of MDM scheme.&nbsp;<\/strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Answer\"><\/span><strong>Answer:&nbsp;<\/strong>&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Mid-Day Meal in schools has had a long history in India. <strong>In 1925, an MDM Programme was introduced for disadvantaged children in Madras Municipal Corporation<\/strong>. By the mid-1980s three States viz. Gujarat, Kerala and\u202fTamil Nadu\u202fand the UT of Pondicherry had universalized a cooked MDM Programme with their own resources for children studying at the primary stage. In 1995 it was launched all over India.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Objectives_and_Mandate_of_MDM_Scheme\"><\/span><strong>Objectives and Mandate of MDM Scheme:&nbsp;<\/strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>To <strong>address the issues of hunger and education in schools<\/strong> by serving hot cooked meals.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li><li>To improve the <strong>nutritional status of children and improve enrollment<\/strong>, attendance and retention rates in schools and other education centers.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li><li>It also <strong>promotes equality and reduces class differences<\/strong> among people.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_success_of_MDM_Scheme\"><\/span><strong>The success of MDM Scheme:\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>As per the <strong>MHRD report around 92 percent<\/strong> children going to government schools are benefitting from mid-day meals while 80 percent of the parents surveyed agreed that the scheme has improved enrolment as well as attendance of children.\u202f&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li><li>It <strong>increases participation of children<\/strong> in school, especially vulnerable sections and promotes better learning, reduces hunger, and promotes healthy growth of children.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li><li>It increased learning among girls and <strong>fostered gender and social equality<\/strong>.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li><li>It <strong>reduced malnutrition and promoted sanitation<\/strong> through washing hands and good eating habits.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Concerns_Related_to_MDM_Scheme\"><\/span><strong>Concerns Related to MDM Scheme:&nbsp;<\/strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>According to the CAG report (2017)<\/strong> there is over-reporting of enrolment figures, financial indiscipline, poor quality of meals and inadequate meals.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li><li>The cases of cooking of <strong>poor-quality meals in unhygienic conditions<\/strong>, <strong>inadequate and poor quality of infrastructure in terms<\/strong> of kitchen sheds and utensils were rampant across all states, exposing children to health hazards.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li><li>There are <strong>leakages and lack of accountability<\/strong> in the delivery of service.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li><li>It creates <strong>diversion in the school curriculum<\/strong>, as teachers are involved in cooking and serving meals.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li><li>There is <strong>caste-based discrimination<\/strong> in cooking and serving food.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Measures_to_Strengthen_MDM_Scheme\"><\/span><strong>Measures to Strengthen MDM Scheme:&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>Increase in budgetary support and timely transfer of funds <\/strong>to check irregularities and better service.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li><li><strong>The use of technology, community monitoring and social audit <\/strong>can reduce the leakages and corruption.<strong>&nbsp;<\/strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li><li>The <strong>creation of proper infrastructure<\/strong> for meal programmes in the schools.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li><li><strong>Participation of private sector or contractors<\/strong> can improve the delivery mechanism.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The MDM scheme serves as an impetus to <strong>develop children into healthy and productive citizens<\/strong> of tomorrow. It is imperative to continuously innovate the MDM programme to ensure access to nutritious food and quality education to millions of children. The Mid Day Meal is a significant part of the diet of Indian children, it has contributed to the gradual improvement in child malnutrition indicators.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"In_case_you_still_have_your_doubts_contact_us_on_9811333901\"><\/span><strong>In case you still have your doubts, contact us on 9811333901.<\/strong>&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>For UPSC Prelims Resources,&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/upsc-cse-prelims-resource-centre\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Click here<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For Daily Updates and Study Material:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Join our Telegram Channel &#8211;&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/t.me\/WithEdukemy4IAS\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Edukemy for IAS<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>1. 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Mains Answer Writing Practice &#8211;&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/bit.ly\/3mZuVxl\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">here<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Visit_our_YouTube_Channel_%E2%80%93_here\"><\/span>Visit our YouTube Channel &#8211;&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/@ShabbirsEduKemyforIAS\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">here<\/a><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Mid-Day Meal (MDM) scheme, rooted in India&#8217;s history, traces its origins back almost a century to the Madras Presidency during the pre-independence era. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":17,"featured_media":27551,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_eb_attr":"","om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"_uf_show_specific_survey":0,"_uf_disable_surveys":false,"_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1500],"tags":[1966,142,232,145,140],"class_list":["post-27550","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-upsc-mains-solved-paper-gs-2","tag-mid-day-meal","tag-previous_year_questions","tag-upsc","tag-upsc-mains-question-paper","tag-upsc_preparation_strategy"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/27550","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/17"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=27550"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/27550\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":27552,"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/27550\/revisions\/27552"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/27551"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=27550"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=27550"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=27550"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}