(a) whether the Government is aware of Economics of Education review study report that
says about Food insecurity at home affecting children’s learning and if so, the details
thereof;
(b) whether the report asks for early intervention of Government in this regard and if so,
the details thereof;
(c) whether it may affect country’s economy through lower human capital accumulation;
and
(d) if so, the details thereof and steps being taken by the Government so far?
MINISTER OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
(SHRI RAMESH POKHRIYAL ‘NISHANK’)
(a) to (d): No, Sir. However, it is stated that Mid-Day Meal Scheme, is an on-going
Centrally-Sponsored Scheme which covers all school children studying in Classes IVIII
of Government, Government-Aided, Special Training Centres including
Madarsas and Maqtabs supported under Samagra Shiksha. During 2018-19, 11.98
crore children were enrolled under the Scheme in 11.34 lakh school across the
country. A total of 24.95 lakh cook-cum-helpers have been engaged by the
States/UTs.
The objectives of the Mid-Day Meal Scheme are to address two of the pressing
problems for majority of children in India, viz. hunger and education by:
i. Improving the nutritional status of children studying in classes I – VIII.
ii. Encouraging poor children, belonging to disadvantaged sections, to attend school
more regularly and help them concentrate on classroom activities.
iii. Providing nutritional support to children of elementary stage in drought-affected
areas during summer vacation.
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