Introduction of Millets in Mid – Day Meal Scheme

The Government of India is to include millets in the mid day meal scheme. This is being done to enhance the nutrition in children. The announcement was made by the Ministry of Education. It is to be implemented by PM POSHAN scheme.

What is the plan?

• The central government has asked the state governments and the union territories to add millets in their mid day meal scheme. This includes bajra, ragi, jowar. These are rich in minerals, vitamins, proteins and antioxidants. They improve the nutritional outcome of the children. The government is taking the step to reduce the levels of malnutrition in the country.
• The millets are to be introduced once a week. Also, cooking competitions are to be conducted among the cook – cum – helpers. This is done to popularise millet recipes.
• Small videos will be created. These videos will explain the importance of millets.
• The NITI Aayog had suggested that the practices of Odisha, Karnataka and Telangana are the best in the country. Their practices are to be shared with the other states.

What is the mid day meal scheme giving currently?

The scheme offers three types of food. They are rice, wheat and coarse grains. The food grains are allocated by the state governments and the union territories. The food grains allocations are approved by the Department of Food and Public Distribution. The Department of School Education distributes the food grains. The cost of the supplied food grains is borne by the central government.