Which of the following best describes the primary objective of the Midday Meal Scheme in India?

To enhance enrollment, retention, and attendance while improving nutritional levels among children

To provide vocational training to students in the agricultural sector

To replace the public distribution system in rural schools

To provide direct cash transfers to students for food expenses

Daily

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30 July 2026

Midday meal scheme and protein inclusion

The Midday Meal scheme is a flagship government intervention for food security and child nutrition, and the inclusion of protein-rich diets and SHG-led models are specific governance developments relevant to GS2 syllabus themes.

Notes

West Bengal: Midday meal allocation increased from ₹6.78 to ₹10 per student per day.
West Bengal: Pilot project initiated to provide ISKCON-supplied satvik meals alongside egg distribution via self-help groups (SHGs).
Tamil Nadu: Proposal under review to include chicken biryani once a week in the state noon-meal scheme.
Tamil Nadu: Current noon-meal allocation is approximately ₹15 per student per day.
Tamil Nadu: Government planning to revise school breakfast menus to replace repetitive items like wheat and rava upma with more nutritious alternatives.
General: Midday meal programs serve as a mechanism for addressing child nutrition and school retention.
General: Integration of SHGs in food distribution models is being utilized to manage dietary diversity and local procurement.

Part of a longer story

This is day 2 of 2 in Midday meal scheme policy and nutritional reforms, which has been running since 23 July 2026. Reading it whole is usually worth more than reading today alone — the exam asks how something developed.

Questions

Discuss the role of midday meal schemes in addressing nutritional security and school retention in India. How does the diversification of menus, including the integration of local protein sources, contribute to the efficacy of these welfare programs? 150 words

Attempt this — 150 words in 8 min

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The decentralization of school feeding programs through the involvement of self-help groups (SHGs) and non-governmental organizations presents both opportunities and challenges for governance. Analyze the impact of such collaborative models on the quality, inclusivity, and nutritional standards of state-run welfare schemes. 250 words

Attempt this — 250 words in 11 min

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Prelims

Which of the following best describes the primary objective of the Midday Meal Scheme in India?

Syllabus

Topics

Sources

250words.in · https://250words.in/daily/2026-07-30/midday-meal-scheme-and-protein-inclusion