(a) whether the Government is planning to include class IX and X students under the Mid-Day Meal Scheme so as to encourage school attendance and reduce dropout rate;
(b) if so, the details thereof and if not,the reasons therefor;
(c) whether the States have been conducting social audit of the Mid-Day Meal Scheme and if so, the details thereof; and
(d) the measures taken/being taken by the Government for using social audits for the better implementation of the Scheme?
MINISTER OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
(SMT. SMRITI ZUBIN IRANI)
(a) & (b): No, Madam. However, States like Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Lakshadweep are providing mid day meals to the children of classes IX and X from their own resources.
(c): Social audit of the Mid Day Meal Scheme has been conducted in Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Punjab, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Telangana and Nagaland.
(d): The findings of the social audit are shared with the States functionaries in a public hearing in presence of all the stakeholders and community members and corrective measures are taken.
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