The Mid Day Meal Scheme has actually been going on since 1995, which means it is about to hit the three-decade mark. In some parts of India, this scheme is still going strong and doing good for the kiddos in the schools. However, there are some questions many people have raised throughout the years about this scheme. These questions were mostly related to the people who are preparing and serving the food across the country, and of course about the kids’ health and nutritional value of the food.
Well, if you want to know more about this scheme and what are the potential objectives, advantages, and disadvantages of the Mid Day Meal Scheme, then stick to this post until the end because we are about to unpack just that. So yeah, let’s get down to it then, shall we?
Advantages Of Mid Day Meal Scheme
Of course, there are a lot of good things about this scheme, and that’s why let’s first talk about just that. Here are the most prominent and possible advantages of the Mid Day Meal Scheme:
- Satisfying Students’ Hunger
Alright, first things first. One of the best parts about this program is that it makes sure our kiddos aren’t dealing with gnawing hunger while they’re supposed to be focusing on algebra. It’s a pretty simple idea, really. Give a free, tasty lunch to students so they aren’t stuck trying to learn on an empty stomach. This is an especially big deal for our less privileged students who might not get that midday meal otherwise.
- Increasing School Enrolment
Not only does this scheme fill tummies, but it’s also been a game changer in getting more kids enrolled in school. Parents are understandably keen on sending their children off to a place where they’re guaranteed a solid meal. After all, nothing says ‘motivation’ like the promise of good nutrition.
- Boosting School Retention
But it’s not just about getting them through the school gate. The Mid Day Meal Scheme has been pretty stellar at keeping kids there. Once enrolled, students are more inclined to stick around and complete their education. The daily food they receive keeps them energized and motivated to keep coming back. So, it’s not just about enrollment, it’s also about retention.
- Avoiding Classroom Hunger
Hunger can be such a distracting party crasher, right? Well, this scheme essentially kicks that crasher out of the classroom. With a nutritious meal in their bellies, students can concentrate better on their lessons instead of their rumbling tummies. It’s amazing how much more you can focus on when you’re not wondering where your next meal is coming from.
- Promoting Students’ Attendance
School attendance is another area that’s gotten a big boost thanks to the midday meal. The promise of a healthy and satisfying meal every day makes it more appealing for students to consistently show up to school. Regular attendance is a win-win for everyone; the kids learn more, and the teachers are happier.
- Addressing Deficiency-Related Diseases
Lastly, let’s not overlook the health benefits. In some areas, kids have to deal with nasty nutrition-related health problems. The Mid Day Meal Scheme jumps into action here by providing meals that meet certain nutritional standards. It’s like a punch to these deficiency-related diseases, helping to keep our kids healthier and ready to learn.
Disadvantages Of Mid Day Meal Scheme
As much as we all admire the noble cause of the Mid Day Meal Scheme, we can’t turn a blind eye to the obstacles it faces. Here’s a lowdown on some of the challenges that this well-meaning scheme has to grapple with.
- Delayed Payments
Imagine being a cook in this program. You’re cooking up and serving meals every day, doing your best, but when it comes to payday, it’s a different story. These hard-working folks often face hiccups in getting their paychecks on time. This can be a real downer, affecting their work mojo and inadvertently leading to a dip in the quality of the meals they’re cooking.
- Poor Quality of Food
Now, whipping up a meal for a small family is one thing, but preparing food for hundreds of students? That’s a completely different ball game. In the rush to get meals out in a jiffy, sometimes quality takes a backseat. There have been instances when meals have had unexpected extras, posing a real health risk to the kids.
- Wastage of Food
Ever heard the phrase, “Don’t bite the hand that feeds you?” Well, the irony isn’t lost here. Despite the provision of meals, the reality is that poor-quality food often ends up untouched and in the trash. This food wastage is a double whammy; it not only undermines the very intent of the program but also escalates the costs unnecessarily.
- Embezzlement of Money
Now, let’s talk about a nasty side of human nature, corruption. The Mid Day Meal Scheme, sadly, isn’t immune to this societal scourge. Fraudulent enrollments have been a way to siphon off funds, which means not only financial losses but also a betrayal of the scheme’s principles. The genuine students who truly need these meals are the ones who bear the negatives of this malpractice.
- Caste-Based Discrimination
Shockingly, this has spilled over into the implementation of the scheme in some instances. There have been reports of Dalit children being unjustly denied meals during periods of caste tensions. This flies in the face of the inclusive ethos of the scheme and is a painful reminder of the deep-seated biases we still need to eradicate.
Conclusion
That’ll do it. The main goal of this scheme is to make the children forget about where their next meal is coming from, and entirely focus on the learning or education part. In the rural parts of the country, this scheme has done quite well, and that’s the reason why more and more parents are sending their kids to school. And guess what? When the bellies are full, kids are more focused on the learning part, and of course, their retention/attendance has also increased significantly.
Santosh Kumar is a Professional SEO and Blogger, With the help of this blog he is trying to share top 10 lists, facts, entertainment news from India and all around the world.