Performance of Mid-Day Meal Scheme in Schools in Kerala: A Micro Level Study

Abstract

One of the milestones of government of India’s Educational policy is Midday Meal (MDM) scheme. It gave encouragement to children, especially of those belonging to poor families to come to schools and take part in the learning process without worrying for their meal. The program in the holistic manner helps in enhancing enrolment, attendance and retention of primary school children while simultaneously. The study was conducted with the objective of analyzing the satisfaction level of beneficiaries of Midday Meal Program, physical infrastructure of the concerned schools, its implementation, the various problems facing in the smooth functioning of the scheme. For the study and evaluation of Midday Meal Scheme in Kerala, three Government Schools in Thiruvananthapuram Education district was selected. The study and analysis found that a wide majority of the students are satisfied with the quality and quantity of Mid-Day Meal. It has been found that supply of food is helpful for students in their educational and physical wellbeing. Keywords: Educational Policy, Midday Meal Programme