An overview of Mid-Day Meal Scheme in Karnataka

The present study was made to evaluate the impact of mid- day meal scheme (MDMS) in Karnataka State. MDM Scheme was implemented in educationally and economically backward North Eastern districts of the state during 2002-03. Later the scheme was extended to other 20 districts of the state under National Programme for Nutritional Support to Primary Education (NP-NSPE) with the title Akshara Dasoha during 2003-04 in a phased manner. As per the directions of the Hon'ble Supreme Court the scheme of providing hot cooked meal is implemented for all the children of classes I to V of both Government and Government aided primary schools. The scheme of providing free food grains @ 3 kg / child per month to children of class I to V of Government aided schools on the basis of 80 per cent of attendance in a month under NP-NSPE is continued during 2002-03 and 2003-04. The programme was extended to VI and VII standards in Government/ Government Aided Schools in the State during 2004 and the programme of providing hot cooked meal transferred to Zilla Panchayat w.e.f. 01.04.2005. The programme is extended to students of VIII standard studying in upgraded primary schools and students of VIII to X standard of Govt and Aided High Schools. Many scholars pointed out in their studies that the scheme has a good impact on child nutrition, school attendance and social equity.