Question : MID DAY MEAL SCHEME

(a) the number and percentage of school children covered under the Mid Day Meal Scheme (MDMS) at present in each State/UT;

(b) the funds allocated/utilised under the said scheme during 2010-11 and 2011-12, State/UT-wise;

(c) whether the Government proposes to revamp this scheme to cover 100% school children under it and if so, the details thereof;

(d) whether the Government has fixed minimum calorie intake for children under the MDMS in the country and if so, the details thereof;

(e) whether the Government is regularly monitoring the quantity/calorie intake of children under the scheme and if so, the details thereof; and

(f) the steps taken/proposed to be taken by the Government to ensure that all the children get the required calorie intake under the scheme?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT(Dr. D. PURANDESWARI)

(a): Detail of number and percentage of school children covered under the Mid Day Meal Scheme (MDMS) at present in each State/UT is given in Annexure-I.

(b): Detail of funds released and utilised during 2010-11 and 2011-12 under MDM Scheme, State/UT-wise is given in Annexure-II.

(c): The Working Group on Elementary Education & Literacy for the 12th Five Year Plan (2012-17), has recommended extension of Mid Day Meal Scheme to private unaided schools in the Tribal areas of the country.

(d): Yes, Sir. Under the scheme children at primary stage and upper primary stage are entitled to get a nutritious hot cooked meal of 450 and 700 calories respectively.

(e) & (f): The Government has prescribed a comprehensive and elaborate mechanism for monitoring and supervision of the Mid Day Meal Scheme. Under this mechanism, monitoring of the implementation of the Scheme is done at local, block, district, state and National levels. Besides this, the Scheme provides for display of information on foodgrains received and utilized, number of children given meals, daily menu, roster of community members for supervision and monitoring, inspection of schools by State Government Officers, monitoring by Central Government through quarterly progress reports, joint review missions etc. The purpose of this extensive mechanism is to ensure that all the children get prescribed quantity and calories through Mid Day Meal.