ShodhPatra: International Journal of Science and Humanities

A Study on the Impact of the Mid-Day Meal Scheme on Enrolment and Attendance in Assam

Abstract: One of the largest school-based welfare programmes in India is the Mid-Day Meal Scheme (now PM POSHAN) which aims to improve the nutritional status of children and at the same time increase enrolment, attendance and retention in elementary schools. In 2004-05, Assam implemented the scheme in all government and government-aided schools and opened it up to all classes in an attempt to deal with classroom hunger and motivate children of different socio-economic statuses to attend school regularly. The paper will discuss how the scheme has changed enrolment and attendance in Assam based on secondary data, such as the UDISE + and other statistics, reports on ASER, state PM POSHAN documents and available research studies. According to the analysis, mid-day meals have led to high school attendance, decline of school dropout and enhanced regularity of school attendance, especially among children who are part of the socially and economically disadvantaged groups. There is an indication that the scheme is not only a nutritional support mechanism, but also an incentive in education that reduces the opportunity cost of schooling in low-income families. Notwithstanding such accomplishments, there are various issues such as the infrastructural gaps, limitations on monitoring and other issues with quality, hygiene and timely food delivery. The policy recommendations which are given at the end of the paper are expected to enhance PM POSHAN in Assam to consolidate further on gains made by universal elementary education and facilitate equitable learning outcomes. Keywords: Mid-Day Meal Scheme, PM POSHAN, enrolment, attendance, Assam