Author- Piyush Chaudhary

ABSTRACT

The Mid-Day Meal Scheme (MDMS) often  known as the PM-POSHAN Scheme , is a landmark initiative in India, which is aimed at improving child nutrition and school participation. While its impact is well-documented across various regions, its effectiveness among tribal children who face some of the highest levels of food insecurity and educational exclusion remains a critical area of study. This article evaluates the MDMS’s role in addressing malnutrition, enhancing school attendance, and developing social inclusion among tribal communities. Through case studies of states like Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and Meghalaya, it examine both the successes and the persistent challenges in implementation, such as logistical barriers, poor infrastructure, and inadequate dietary diversity. The analysis highlights best practices, including millet-based meals and community-run kitchens, which have improved the scheme’s reach and effectiveness in tribal areas. Despite these efforts, significant gaps remain in ensuring meal consistency, quality, and accessibility. The study also highlights the need for policy innovations, such as localized meal plans and enhanced monitoring  to maximize the scheme’s benefits for tribal children. By addressing these gaps, the MDMS can evolve into a more effective tool for breaking the cycle of malnutrition and educational deprivation in India’s most vulnerable communities.

INTRODUCTION

The Mid-Day Meal Scheme (MDMS) is one of India’s most significant social welfare initiatives, which is designed to improve the nutritional status and educational outcomes of children in government and government-aided schools. National Programme of Nutritional Support launched in 1995 for Primary Education (NP-NSPE). It had a dual goal: firstly to  reduce child malnutrition, and secondly simultaneously enhancing school enrollment, attendance, and retention rates. Over the years, MDMS has evolved into a centrally sponsored scheme, with both the central and state governments sharing funding and implementation responsibilities. For tribal children, the MDMS plays an even more critical role due to their historical marginalization and economic disadvantages. Tribal communities experience higher rates of food insecurity, malnutrition, and educational exclusion than other social groups in India. The policy framework of MDMS has been strengthened over time through legal mandates, Supreme Court interventions, and state-level innovations to ensure its reach to the most vulnerable populations. Despite its intended benefits, however, significant challenges persist in implementing the scheme effectively in remote tribal regions, where infrastructural deficiencies, administrative inefficiencies, and socio-cultural barriers continue to hinder its success.

Reports from across India highlight serious issues in MDMS implementation, particularly in tribal areas. In some schools, irregular food supply, lack of dietary diversity, and poor meal quality limit its effectiveness in addressing malnutrition. A well-documented case from 2019 in Mirzapur, Uttar Pradesh, revealed how students were served only salt and roti, by exposing the widespread negligence in food distribution (India Today, 2019). While this incident occurred in a non-tribal district, similar and often worse conditions exist in many tribal regions, where meal delivery remains inconsistent due to geographical isolation and administrative neglect. Moreover, the MDMS is often the only assured meal of the day for many tribal children. In Maharashtra’s Palghar district, for instance, boys from the Katkari tribal community rely on school meals as their sole source of nutrition, with teachers reporting that students suffer from extreme food deprivation when schools close for holidays (ETV Bharat, 2024). In Odisha’s tribal regions, 30% of schools reported delays in receiving food grains, causing meal disruptions (Sahoo, 2018). In Chhattisgarh, 40% of tribal schools lack proper storage facilities, leading to food spoilage (SCERT, 2014). The persistent poor quality of meals, lack of protein intake, and underfunding contribute to the ongoing crisis of stunting and anemia, which affects nearly 45% of tribal children (Sahoo, 2018).While MDMS is designed as a safety net, these structural failures prevent it from fully serving the children who need it most. This article examines the impact of MDMS on tribal children, analyzing its nutritional, educational, and socio-economic effects, as well as the challenges in its implementation. By exploring successful models and proposing policy recommendations, this study aims to provide insights into how MDMS can be strengthened and adapted to better serve India’s tribal communities.

POLICY FRAMEWORK OF THE MDMS

The Mid-Day Meal Scheme (MDMS) was originally conceptualized in 1925 by the Madras Corporation, to provide meals to underprivileged children; and after this various states implemented their own school feeding programs in the following decades. Tamil Nadu started cooking mid-day meals in the 1960s, demonstrating their positive impact on education and child health. Recognizing the success of these early initiatives, the Government of India launched MDMS nationally in 1995, initially targeting primary school children of Classes I-V. In 2006, the scheme was expanded to upper primary levels to children of Classes VI-VIII in educationally backward districts.

A crucial turning point in MDMS came in 2001, when the Supreme Court of India announced that all states must provide cooked meals instead of dry rations, ensuring greater food security and nutritional benefits. This directive strengthened the scheme’s implementation and accountability. In 2013, the National Food Security Act (NFSA) made MDMS a legal entitlement, reinforcing the government’s obligation to provide meals on all school days. These legal provisions have created a structured funding, monitoring, and accountability mechanism, ensuring that states deliver meals effectively.

The MDMS operates as a centrally sponsored scheme, with financial and operational responsibilities shared between the central and state governments. The Ministry of Education oversees its implementation at the national level, while state governments, local bodies, NGOs, and self-help groups (SHGs) manage execution at the grassroots level. The central government provides food grains through the Food Corporation of India (FCI), while state governments handle meal preparation, transportation, and infrastructure.

To ensure adequate nutrition, MDMS mandates two following minimum meal standards per school day, Firstly for the Primary students of Classes I–V it stated 450 kcal and 12 grams of protein, and Secondly for the Upper primary students of Classes VI–VIII it’s 700 kcal and 20 grams of protein. The typical meal consists of rice or wheat, pulses, vegetables, and sometimes milk or fruits, ensuring a balanced diet. However, in tribal-dominated areas, standardized meal plans often do not align with traditional food habits, leading to lower acceptance among children. Recognizing this challenge, states like Odisha and Chhattisgarh have introduced millet-based meals, which are more culturally appropriate and nutritionally superior for tribal children.

MDMS also follows a cost-sharing model, where the central government covers 60% of the cost, and state governments contribute 40%. While the scheme ensures that children receive free meals, financial delays and mismanagement often disrupt implementation in tribal-dominated states. Schools in remote tribal regions frequently experience irregular fund disbursement, leading to meal shortages and substandard food quality. To address financial bottlenecks, some states have decentralized food procurement, allowing local self-help groups (SHGs) and women’s cooperatives to prepare meals. This approach not only improves efficiency but also empowers local communities by creating employment opportunities for tribal women. Despite these policy measures, infrastructural deficiencies such as lack of kitchens, proper storage, and clean drinking water continue to hinder the scheme’s effectiveness in tribal areas. Geographical remoteness, supply chain inefficiencies, and administrative lapses further exacerbate meal distribution challenges. However, We can examine its effects by studying various case studies like  Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Gujarat, and Uttar Pradesh, to highlight both achievements and challenges.

IMPACTS  IN DIFFERENT PARTS OF INDIA

In Andhra Pradesh, MDMS has played a critical role in improving child nutrition, especially in drought-affected areas. Studies indicate that children from drought-hit households suffered a decline of 0.44 standard deviations (s.d.) in weight-for-age and 0.77 s.d. in height-for-age. However, those receiving school meals fully recovered, demonstrating the scheme’s effectiveness as a nutritional safety net (Dercon et al., 2012).The scheme ensures that children receive a minimum of 450 kcal and 12 grams of protein per meal, which helps in reducing protein deficiency by 100% and calorie deficiency by nearly 30% (Afridi, 2010). Almost 98% of government schools in the state provide mid-day meals, ensuring widespread coverage (Dercon et al., 2012).Beyond short-term nutrition, the scheme has long-term developmental benefits. Catch-up growth was observed among children who had suffered from early-life malnutrition, with an average height-for-age improvement of 1.14 s.d. This pattern is consistent with global findings in Senegal and Peru, where children recovering from stunting gained between 0.90 and 1.79 s.d. in height-for-age (Afridi, 2010). Additionally, MDMS has boosted school attendance, particularly among girls, contributing to better learning outcomes and cognitive development (Afridi, 2011).Economically, MDMS has served as a crucial support system for marginalized communities. Between 2002 and 2006, nearly 35.8% of rural households in Andhra Pradesh were affected by drought. The scheme buffered against food insecurity, particularly benefiting Scheduled Caste (23%) and Scheduled Tribe (21%) children, who are at a higher risk of malnutrition (Afridi, 2011). The Supreme Court’s 2004 directive further strengthened the program by ensuring meal provision even during school vacations in drought-prone areas.

Also in Karnataka, implementation of MDMS has significantly improved school enrollment and retention rates, particularly for children from marginalized communities. As of 2018–19, the scheme covered 53.48 lakh children across 54,839 government and aided schools, benefiting nearly 92% of total enrolled students (Karnataka Evaluation Authority [KEA], 2021). A major factor behind its success is the Ksheera Bhagya scheme, which provides 150 ml of milk daily, improving children’s nutritional intake and classroom concentration (KEA, 2021).Nutritionally, Karnataka’s MDMS delivers 490 kcal and 8–10 grams of protein per meal for primary students and 720 kcal and 12–16 grams of protein for upper primary students. Despite these efforts, 27% of children in Karnataka still suffer from severe malnutrition, according to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5, 2019-21). To tackle this, the program integrates health components, including iron and folic acid supplementation, vitamin A distribution, and deworming treatments under the Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK). However, only 57% of schools in the state report regular distribution of these supplements, indicating gaps in implementation (KEA, 2021).Beyond nutrition, MDMS has contributed to social equity by reducing caste-based discrimination. Reports indicate that only 15% of students eat within their own social groups, suggesting that interactions during meal times have helped break traditional social barriers (KEA, 2021). Additionally, NGOs serve 9.3 lakh children across 5,587 schools, but concerns remain about meal quality in centralized kitchens, as food often arrives cold and needs reheating (KEA, 2021).Despite these challenges, Karnataka’s MDMS remains a crucial intervention in addressing child malnutrition and educational disparities. Moving forward, introducing millet-based meals, improving hygiene management, and ensuring timely fund disbursement could enhance the program’s impact.

However, MDMS in Gujarat has been highly effective in improving child nutrition and school attendance, particularly in urban areas like Vadodara. A study of 16 schools with 4,905 students found that 73% of children regularly consumed mid-day meals, leading to a 7.1% reduction in anthropometric failure (underweight, stunting, and thinness) (Kantawala, 2015).One of the most notable successes in Gujarat’s MDMS is its role in reducing anemia rates. Fortified wheat flour introduced by the state government helped reduce anemia prevalence from 90% to 62.5% among school children (Kantawala, 2015). This demonstrates how fortified foods can significantly improve micronutrient intake in school meals.However, despite these improvements, dietary diversity remains a concern. The average nutrient intake of children was still below one-third of the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA), particularly for girls, who consumed fewer nutrients than boys (Kantawala, 2015). To address this, introducing protein-rich foods like eggs and dairy can further strengthen the scheme’s impact.Beyond nutrition, MDMS in Gujarat has fostered social integration, reducing caste-based discrimination. Observations revealed that students from different backgrounds eat together, breaking down traditional social barriers (Kantawala, 2015). However, hygiene practices in meal distribution remain inconsistent, with some schools failing to implement hand washing before meals.

Additionally, MDMS in Uttar Pradesh has significantly contributed to improving school enrollment, attendance, and nutrition, particularly in rural areas. By 2006, the calorie content per meal was increased to 450 kcal with 12 grams of protein for primary school students and 700 kcal with 20 grams of protein for upper primary students (Tomar & Singh, 2022).The scheme has played a crucial role in addressing malnutrition among marginalized communities, although concerns about food safety and hygiene persist. Studies in Meerut’s rural and urban schools indicate poor adherence to food safety standards, with urban schools faring slightly better (Tomar & Singh, 2022).Research published in Nature suggests that children of MDMS beneficiaries exhibit better health and development outcomes throughout their lives (Tomar & Singh, 2022). Additionally, the scheme has contributed to higher school attendance, particularly among socially disadvantaged groups and girls. However, the nutritional intake of children in Uttar Pradesh still falls slightly below recommended norms, requiring further improvements in meal quality, hygiene, and health monitoring (Tomar & Singh, 2022).

In short, The Mid-Day Meal Scheme has demonstrated tangible benefits across India, particularly in enhancing child nutrition, increasing school attendance, and reducing social inequalities. However, challenges related to infrastructure, meal quality, and fund disbursement persist in many states. Strengthening supply chains, improving meal diversity, and integrating health programs can further maximize MDMS’s impact, ensuring better educational and nutritional outcomes for children across India.

IMPACTS ON TRIBAL CHILDREN 

MDMS has been instrumental in reducing malnutrition and improving dietary intake among tribal children. In Odisha, where tribal communities suffer from severe food insecurity, the introduction of millet-based mid-day meals significantly improved the protein and micronutrient intake of tribal children (Sahoo, 2018). Similarly, in Andhra Pradesh, MDMS provided a nutritional safety net, with children in drought-affected areas experiencing full recovery in weight-for-age and height-for-age after receiving mid-day meals (Dercon et al., 2012). In Meghalaya, nearly 80% of parents cited MDMS as the primary reason for their children’s improved nutrition (Council for Social Development, 2010). Despite these improvements, nutritional gaps persist. A study in Chhattisgarh found that 40% of tribal schools lacked proper food storage facilities, leading to food spoilage and contamination (SCERT, 2014). Additionally, in Paschim Midnapore, West Bengal, the average energy intake of tribal children (832 kcal/day) remained below the recommended dietary allowance, with lower protein (32g/day) and fat (18.8g/day) consumption than non-tribal children (Ghara et al., 2023). The lack of dietary diversity in MDMS meals—often limited to rice and dal—fails to address micronutrient deficiencies, particularly anemia, which affects 45% of tribal children (NFHS-5, 2019-21).

Also MDMS has significantly increased school enrollment and attendance rates among tribal children. In Karnataka, the scheme led to a 25% rise in primary school enrollment among tribal students, as free meals served as a key incentive for families to send their children to school (Sachan & Singh, 2016). In Meghalaya, dropout rates among tribal students declined by 15% due to the scheme’s implementation (Mehta et al., 2013). In Chhattisgarh, where tribal literacy rates are among the lowest in India, MDMS has played a vital role in reducing absenteeism and encouraging female enrollment, contributing to better educational outcomes (SCERT, 2014).However, inconsistent meal distribution and poor infrastructure hinder MDMS’s success in tribal schools. In Odisha, 30% of tribal schools reported delays in receiving food grains, leading to meal disruptions (Sahoo, 2018). In Jharkhand, schools in remote tribal areas faced difficulties in meal preparation due to a lack of functional kitchens, with only 55% of schools having proper cooking facilities (SCERT, 2014). Many tribal schools also suffer from a shortage of utensils, clean drinking water, and sanitation facilities, affecting students’ overall health and hygiene.

Additionally, MDMS has contributed to breaking caste and social barriers by encouraging children from different backgrounds to eat together, fostering greater inclusion. In Gujarat, mid-day meals have reduced caste-based discrimination, with students from diverse backgrounds dining together (Kantawala, 2015). In Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand, the scheme has also generated employment for tribal women as cooks and helpers, empowering them economically (SCERT, 2014). In Odisha, decentralized food procurement through self-help groups (SHGs) has improved meal quality and increased local economic participation, making the scheme more effective (Sahoo, 2018).However, socio-cultural challenges persist. In some states, upper-caste resistance to tribal cooks has led to disruptions in meal distribution (Thorat & Sadana, 2009). In Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, reports indicate that upper-caste parents withdrew their children from schools where Dalit or tribal women were employed as cooks, undermining the scheme’s goal of social integration (Thorat & Lee, 2006). Additionally, the cultural acceptability of food remains a concern—many tribal communities have distinct dietary habits, and standardized MDMS meals do not always align with traditional food preferences, leading to lower meal acceptance among students (Sahoo, 2018).

Finally, while MDMS has improved the lives of tribal children, implementation issues continue to hinder its full potential. In remote tribal villages, poor road connectivity makes transporting food grains difficult, leading to irregular meal services. A study in Odisha’s tribal belt found that 35% of schools experienced frequent meal interruptions due to logistical issues (Sahoo, 2018). In Chhattisgarh, only 60% of tribal schools had functional kitchens, forcing many schools to prepare meals in unsanitary conditions (SCERT, 2014). In Meghalaya, over 30% of schools lacked proper dining spaces, meaning that children often ate outdoors, increasing risks of contamination (Council for Social Development, 2010). In short, The Mid-Day Meal Scheme has had both transformative benefits and persistent challenges in tribal areas. While it has improved nutrition, increased school participation, and promoted social integration, issues such as infrastructure deficits, irregular fund disbursement, meal quality concerns, and socio-cultural resistance continue to affect its effectiveness. 

CHALLENGES Faced by Tribal Children in the Implementation of the Mid-Day Meal Scheme (MDMS)

Despite that tribal children continue to face significant challenges in accessing its full benefits. One of the primary obstacles is geographical remoteness, as many tribal villages are located in hilly, forested, or isolated regions, making the transportation of food supplies difficult and costly. In Odisha’s tribal belt, 35% of schools reported frequent meal interruptions due to logistical constraints (Sahoo, 2018), while in Chhattisgarh, only 60% of tribal schools had functional kitchens, forcing meals to be prepared in makeshift, unsanitary conditions (SCERT, 2014). Additionally, irregular fund disbursement has caused delays in food grain delivery, with 30% of tribal schools in Odisha facing supply chain issues that disrupt meal distribution (Sahoo, 2018).

Poor infrastructure is another major challenge in tribal areas, where schools often lack proper kitchens, storage facilities, and clean drinking water. In Chhattisgarh, 40% of tribal schools lacked proper food storage, leading to food contamination and spoilage, reducing the scheme’s intended nutritional benefits (SCERT, 2014). Hygiene and sanitation are also serious concerns, with over 30% of schools in Meghalaya lacking proper dining spaces, forcing children to eat outdoors in unsanitary conditions (Council for Social Development, 2010). Furthermore, many schools lack adequate utensils and cooking staff, further hindering the quality and efficiency of meal preparation.

The quality and nutritional value of MDMS meals in tribal areas remain inadequate, with meals often failing to meet the prescribed dietary standards of 450 kcal and 12 grams of protein per day for primary students. A study in Paschim Midnapore, West Bengal, found that the average energy intake of tribal children (832 kcal/day) was significantly lower than that of non-tribal children (888 kcal/day), highlighting ongoing deficiencies (Ghara et al., 2023). The lack of dietary diversity is another concern, as meals in tribal schools are often limited to rice and dal, failing to address micronutrient deficiencies such as anemia, which affects 45% of tribal children (NFHS-5, 2019-21). Although some states like Odisha and Chhattisgarh have introduced millet-based meals, such initiatives remain limited, and many tribal children still do not receive balanced nutrition (Sahoo, 2018).

Social barriers also impact the effectiveness of MDMS, particularly caste discrimination and resistance to tribal cooks. In some states like Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, upper-caste parents have protested against Dalit or tribal women being employed as MDMS cooks, leading to school-level conflicts and disruptions in meal services (Thorat & Sadana, 2009). Reports from Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh indicate that in certain schools, upper-caste students refused to eat meals prepared by tribal cooks, undermining the scheme’s goal of social integration and equity (SCERT, 2014). Furthermore, traditional dietary habits in tribal communities often do not align with standardized MDMS meals, reducing meal acceptance among students (Sahoo, 2018).

Another critical issue is the lack of community awareness and participation in monitoring MDMS implementation. Many tribal parents are unaware of the scheme’s provisions, leading to lower participation rates and reduced accountability in meal distribution (SCERT, 2014). Seasonal migration and economic hardship also play a role, as many tribal families withdraw their children from school during agricultural or labor-intensive seasons, reducing the scheme’s impact on long-term education and nutrition (Mehta et al., 2013). Moreover, financial constraints and delayed salary payments for MDMS cooks and helpers discourage sustained participation, especially in tribal-dominated states like Jharkhand and Odisha, where many cooks receive low or irregular wages (Sahoo, 2018).

Best Practices of States in Implementing the Mid-Day Meal Scheme (MDMS) for Tribal Children

While the Mid-Day Meal Scheme (MDMS) faces implementation challenges in many tribal areas, some states have introduced innovative practices to improve its effectiveness. These best practices focus on enhancing nutrition, increasing efficiency, localizing food procurement, and ensuring meal diversity to cater to the specific needs of tribal children. Odisha has pioneered the integration of millets into MDMS meals, recognizing that traditional tribal diets include nutrient-rich millets rather than rice or wheat. Under the Odisha Millet Mission, schools in tribal districts serve ragi-based (finger millet) meals, which are higher in iron, calcium, and protein, helping combat anemia and malnutrition among tribal children (Sahoo, 2018). The state also follows a decentralized procurement model, allowing local self-help groups (SHGs) and women’s cooperatives to manage meal preparation and distribution. This approach not only ensures fresh and culturally appropriate meals but also generates employment for tribal women (Sahoo, 2018).

Whereas, Chhattisgarh has successfully implemented community-managed kitchens, where village-level women’s groups prepare mid-day meals, ensuring better accountability, food quality, and employment generation (SCERT, 2014). Additionally, the state’s decentralized food procurement system allows schools to source fresh produce from local farmers, ensuring nutritional adequacy and reducing delays in food grain supply (SCERT, 2014). The use of fortified rice in MDMS meals has also helped reduce iron deficiency anemia among tribal children. Karnataka has enhanced MDMS by introducing the Ksheera Bhagya scheme, which provides 150 ml of milk per day to all school children, improving calcium and protein intake (Karnataka Evaluation Authority, 2021). This intervention has been particularly beneficial in tribal areas, where children often suffer from protein deficiency. The state has also implemented strict hygiene monitoring systems, ensuring that meals are prepared in sanitized environments with clean drinking water and proper storage facilities (KEA, 2021).

Furthermore, Tamil Nadu has been a leader in infrastructure improvements for MDMS. The state has built dedicated dining halls in government schools, ensuring hygienic and structured meal consumption, which reduces caste-based discrimination and fosters social inclusion among students (Sharma, 2015). Additionally, Tamil Nadu has introduced a centralized kitchen model in urban and semi-urban areas, improving food quality and efficiency while maintaining locally prepared meals in remote tribal schools for better accessibility. While Gujarat has successfully incorporated fortified wheat flour into MDMS meals, significantly reducing anemia prevalence from 90% to 62.5% among school children (Kantawala, 2015). The state also partners with private organizations like the Akshaya Patra Foundation, which operates centralized kitchens to deliver high-quality, nutritious meals in both urban and rural tribal areas (Planning Commission, 2010).

Additionally, in Meghalaya, the government has involved tribal village councils and community leaders in meal distribution, improving transparency and accountability. A study found that 95% of parents in tribal areas acknowledged that MDMS played a crucial role in their children’s school attendance (Council for Social Development, 2010). Additionally, the state has implemented Mid-Day Meal Monitoring Committees at the village and district levels, ensuring timely grievance redressal and reducing irregularities in food supply (CSD, 2010). Even Jharkhand has introduced the Saraswati Vahini initiative, where mothers of schoolchildren oversee meal preparation and distribution, ensuring hygiene, quality control, and better community participation (SCERT, 2014). This initiative has been effective in tribal regions, where women’s participation in MDMS has led to better meal quality and social empowerment. By implementing this best practices nationwide the issue of tribal children could be resolved.

Policy Recommendations for Improving MDMS in Tribal Areas

To enhance the Mid-Day Meal Scheme (MDMS) in tribal areas, policy interventions must focus on improving nutrition, infrastructure, supply chain management, and community participation to ensure better meal quality and accessibility. One key recommendation is localizing meal plans by incorporating regionally preferred foods like millets, leafy greens, and locally available protein sources. In Odisha, the introduction of ragi-based meals under the Odisha Millet Mission has significantly improved protein and micronutrient intake among tribal children, reducing anemia and malnutrition rates (Sahoo, 2018). Expanding this approach to other tribal-dominated states would increase meal acceptance and improve dietary diversity. This is implementable by partnering with local farmers and self-help groups (SHGs) to procure culturally relevant ingredients, ensuring both freshness and economic support to tribal communities.

Strengthening decentralized food procurement can also improve meal quality and reduce supply chain delays. In Chhattisgarh, community-run kitchens managed by local SHGs have resulted in more consistent meal delivery and better monitoring of food quality (SCERT, 2014). Expanding this self-help group model across states like Jharkhand and Madhya Pradesh would reduce dependence on centralized suppliers, preventing frequent disruptions due to transportation challenges in remote areas. This can be implemented by allocating funds for local procurement at the panchayat or village level, allowing schools to source food from nearby farmers and cooperatives, ensuring timely delivery and fresh produce.

Infrastructure development is another urgent requirement, as many tribal schools lack proper kitchens, storage facilities, and clean drinking water, affecting meal quality and hygiene. In Meghalaya, over 30% of tribal schools lacked proper dining spaces, leading to children eating meals in unhygienic conditions (Council for Social Development, 2010). Investing in school kitchen construction, improved storage facilities, and clean water supply can significantly enhance the effectiveness of MDMS. This can be implemented by allocating a fixed percentage of MDMS funds specifically for infrastructure improvements, prioritizing schools in remote tribal areas, and introducing a phased approach to gradually improve facilities in the most underserved regions first.

To enhance monitoring and prevent corruption, the use of technology-driven tracking systems should be expanded. States like Karnataka have implemented real-time monitoring mechanisms, where meal quality and fund disbursement are tracked digitally (Karnataka Evaluation Authority, 2021). Expanding mobile-based reporting systems, digital fund transfers, and biometric attendance for cooks and meal suppliers can ensure transparency, prevent food pilferage, and improve accountability. This is implementable by providing training to school authorities and local officials on using digital tools, integrating MDMS monitoring into existing e-governance platforms, and ensuring that grievance redressal mechanisms are accessible at the village level.

Integrating MDMS with school health programs is another crucial step to address malnutrition comprehensively. Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh have linked MDMS with regular health check-ups, deworming programs, and micronutrient supplementation, resulting in better child health outcomes (Afridi, 2011). Expanding this approach to tribal schools by mandating regular health screenings, distributing iron and folic acid supplements, and incorporating fortified foods into MDMS meals can help combat malnutrition and anemia more effectively. This is implementable through coordination between the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Health, ensuring that anganwadi workers and school health teams conduct regular assessments in tribal schools.

Finally, greater community participation in MDMS implementation can improve efficiency, reduce food wastage, and empower local populations. In Jharkhand, the Saraswati Vahini initiative, where mothers oversee meal preparation, has led to improved meal quality and hygiene standards (SCERT, 2014). Expanding this model across tribal regions would increase parental involvement and ensure better oversight of food distribution. This can be implemented by establishing village-level MDMS committees comprising parents, teachers, and community leaders who would be responsible for monitoring meal quality, reporting irregularities, and ensuring timely fund disbursement. By implementing these targeted policy interventions, MDMS can become more inclusive, efficient, and culturally relevant for tribal children. 

CONCLUSION

The Mid-Day Meal Scheme (MDMS) has been a crucial intervention in addressing child malnutrition and improving school participation across India. For tribal children, who face systemic socio-economic disadvantages, the scheme serves as more than just a nutritional supplement; it acts as a critical safety net, ensuring food security, encouraging school attendance, and fostering social inclusion. However, despite its successes, the implementation of MDMS in tribal regions continues to be hindered by logistical challenges, inadequate infrastructure, and inconsistencies in meal quality and distribution.

The study highlights the need for targeted policy interventions, such as integrating region-specific dietary preferences, strengthening supply chains, improving kitchen and storage facilities, and enhancing community involvement. Successful models from states like Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and Karnataka demonstrate that localized and decentralized approaches can significantly improve the scheme’s impact. Furthermore, linking MDMS with health programs , such as micronutrient supplementation and regular medical check-ups can address broader concerns related to tribal children’s well-being. To maximize its effectiveness, MDMS requires sustained financial commitment, better monitoring mechanisms, and greater political will to ensure that every child, regardless of geography or socio-economic status, has access to a nutritious meal and a fair chance at education. By addressing these challenges, the scheme can fulfill its potential as a transformative public policy tool, breaking the cycle of hunger, poverty, and educational exclusion among India’s tribal communities.

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