The State Government of Kerala has come up with a health initiative known as Kerala Mid Day Meal Scheme, under which the Government aims to provide nutritious meals during school hours to help children focus on their studies, along with encouraging the students to come to school every day and increase their attendance. Under this scheme, the Authorities aim to promote social equality and eliminate classroom hunger among the students studying in government-aided schools across Kerala State.
All those children studying in Government and Government-aided primary and upper primary schools, including pre-primary schools, will be provided nutritious meals by the School authorities. All those children who are interested and willing to get meal benefits then they can simply visit the Official Website and fill out the application form online.
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Objective of Kerala Mid-Day Meal Scheme
The primary objective of the Kerala Mid-Day Meal Scheme is to address malnutrition among students in Government and Government-aided upper primary and pre-primary schools. Under this scheme, the Government will provide mid-day meals rich in nutrition to all these students, encouraging them to attend school regularly and improve their academic performance and engagement in studies. With the help of this scheme, the students will be able to focus more on their studies by getting meals during school hours because many students come from Financially Weaker Households and come empty stomach to schools.
Meal Details under Kerala Mid Day Meal Scheme
The Government will provide a hot cooked meal on school days, consisting of rice, pulses, and vegetables, along with additional provisions like egg/banana and milk.
| Item | Primary (Class 1-5) | Upper Primary (Class 6-8) |
|---|---|---|
| Food grains (rice/wheat) | 100 grams | 150 grams |
| Pulses | 20 grams | 30 grams |
| Vegetables | 50 grams | 75 grams |
| Oil & Fat | 5 grams | 7.5 grams |
| Salt & Condiments | As needed | As needed |
| Additional items (eggs, milk) | Eggs once a week, milk twice a week | Eggs once a week, milk twice a week |
Short Highlights of Kerala Mid-Day Meal Scheme
| Name of Scheme | Kerala Mid Day Meal Scheme |
| Launch in Kerala | 1984, before national implementation. Supported by CARE (1960-83). |
| Beneficiaries | Children in classes 1-8 of government, aided schools, and pre-primary kids (from 2022). |
| Objectives | Central (60%) and State (40%) share costs. The state provides additional funds. |
| Funding | Rice, dal/curries, and vegetables. Includes eggs, milk (from State funds). New menu includes microgreens, millets. |
| Menu | Rice, dal/curries, vegetables. Includes eggs, milk (from State funds). New menu includes microgreens, millets. |
| Achievements | Increased school enrollment and attendance. Addressed classroom hunger. Promoted social equity and employed women. |
| Challenges | Funding gaps, infrastructure issues, cook remuneration, quality/hygiene concerns, caste bias. |
Eligibility Criteria
- Students must be permanent residents of Kerala State.
- Students must be studying in Government or Government-aided upper primary and pre-primary schools.
- Students studying from classes 1st to 8th will get meal benefits.
Ineligibility criteria
- Students studying in private schools are not eligible.
- Students who are studying in class 9th or above are not eligible.
Benefits of Kerala Mid-Day Meal Scheme
- This initiative combats classroom hunger by providing students with a nutritious meal during school hours.
- This initiative will encourage students to come to school regularly so that they can improve their academic attendance.
- This initiative tackles the problem of malnutrition among school students by providing them mid day meals.
- There will be less burden on the financially weaker households that can’t afford meals easily.
- This initiative also supports women’s empowerment by making women cooks and helpers.
Kerala Mid Day Meal Scheme Apply Online
There is no specific application process under this scheme; all those students who are studying in Government or Government-aided upper primary and pre-primary schools from class 1st to 8th will be provided mid-day meals by the school authorities without any registration of students or application.
FAQ’s
What is the Kerala Mid Day Meal Scheme?
Provides free, hot meals to schoolchildren (classes 1-8 and pre-primary) in government and aided schools to improve health and attendance.
When did it start in Kerala?
Kerala launched its Mid Day Meal Scheme in 1984, before the national implementation in 1995.
Who receives the meals?
Students in classes 1-8 of government, aided schools, and pre-primary kids (from 2022).
Are meals free?
Yes, meals are provided free of cost to all eligible children.
What’s typically on the menu?
Rice, curries, vegetables, sometimes eggs and milk. Kerala has a uniform menu including microgreens and millets.
Who funds the scheme?
Jointly funded by Central (60%) and State (40%) governments. The State government may contribute additional funds.
How is quality/hygiene ensured?
Meals are prepared hygienically, inspected by authorities and monitored by committees including parents and teachers.
What are the main benefits?
Increased enrollment, attendance, improved nutrition, reduced dropouts, promotes equality, and empowers women.
What are the key challenges?
Funding issues, quality concerns, infrastructure needs, remuneration for cooks, and caste discrimination.
What are the calorie and protein norms?
Primary children receive meals with 450 calories and 12g protein; upper primary children receive 700 calories and 20g protein.
Khushi Singh
Khushi Singh is a content writer with 3 years of experience in government schemes. She writes simple and helpful articles that guide people to understand and benefit from public welfare programs.