Question : Review of MDMS

(a) whether an expert committee was set up to review Mid Day Meal Scheme (MDMS) and if so, the details thereof;

(b) whether the Government has received complaints about alleged irregularities including sub-standard meal being served to students and if so, the number of complaints received during the last three years and the current year, State-wise;

(c) the details of number of cases of adulterated/poisonous food supplied to children under the said scheme during the said period, State-wise and the action taken against those found responsible;

(d) the total amount sanctioned and expenditure incurred under the scheme during the said period, State-wise; and

(e) whether the Government proposes to extend the scheme upto higher secondary level and if so, the details thereof?

MINISTER OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
(SMT. SMRITI ZUBIN IRANI)

(a) An expert committee under the chairpersonship of Director, Nutrition Foundation of India, New Delhi was constituted to examine the current norms for quantity and quality of food, to assess the nutritional adequacy of the menu, and to examine current guidelines of food safety, etc. under Mid Day Meal Scheme. In the light of recommendations of the committee, the guidelines on Food Safety and Hygiene for school level kitchens under Mid Day Meal Scheme was issued on 13th February, 2015 with an aim to help the States and the UTs to focus more intensively on the safety aspects of procurement, storage, preparation, serving, waste disposal of food items as well as issues of personal hygiene of students and those involved in cooking and serving of food.

(b) Yes, Madam. The details of State-wise complaints received regarding poor quality and irregularities during the last three years and the current year are at Annexure-I.

(c) Out of 91 complaints of poor quality, 67 pertained to adulterated food. The details of 67 complaints and action taken thereon are given at Annexure-II.

(d) Year-wise and State-wise release of funds and expenditure during the last three years and current year is given at Annexure-III.

(e) No, Madam. However, State Governments of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu are providing mid day meals to the children of classes IX and X from their own resources.

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