Maharashtra Considers Mid-Day Meal Scheme Expansion to Class 10

The Maharashtra government is actively considering an extension of its mid-day meal scheme to encompass students up to Class 10, expanding from the current limit of Class 8. This initiative was discussed during a meeting led by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, which included representatives from the school education and women and child development departments. The aim is to ensure that students receive timely, fresh, and nutritious meals while also promoting local food sources.

During the meeting, officials reviewed the existing mid-day meal scheme and the nutritious food supply program for anganwadis, or creches. The Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman Yojana currently serves 85,206 eligible schools across Maharashtra, covering a range of institutions from state-run to private schools. The scheme is designed to provide meals that meet specific caloric and protein requirements for students in Classes 1 through 8.

Under the existing guidelines, students in Classes 1 to 5 receive meals containing 450 kilocalories and 12 grams of protein, while those in Classes 6 to 8 are provided with meals containing 700 kilocalories and 20 grams of protein. To diversify the menu, the education department has developed a selection of 12 recipes, including various types of pulao, khichdi, and dal-rice. Fadnavis has tasked both departments with creating a joint policy to ensure the quality and timeliness of these meals.

The implications of this proposed extension are significant for the state's educational framework. By considering local food habits and preferences, the government aims to enhance the nutritional value of meals served to students. School education minister Dadaji Bhuse has suggested increasing the involvement of centralized kitchens and providing funding to local gram panchayats for meal preparation. He also proposed seeking central government approval to adjust the grain composition in meals, reducing rice and increasing other grains.

Looking ahead, the state government plans to empower district-level nutrition committees to develop menus that utilize locally sourced ingredients. Women and child development minister Aditi Tatkare expressed support for these initiatives, indicating that her department would collaborate with ISKCON to supply nutritious meals to urban anganwadis, with potential for expansion based on the program's success. The next steps will involve feasibility studies and further discussions to implement these changes effectively.