The Government of India has notified Mid-Day Meal (MDM) Rules, 2015 under the Food Security Act, 2013. The new rules have been finalised by Union Government after consultation with the States and other related Ministries of Union Government.

Points to Note

• Mid-day meals provided to students at schools will be tested each month by accredited laboratories to ensure nutritional standards and quality.
• The rules make it mandatory for schools to dig into funds meant for other purposes if the funds meant for providing mid-day meals to students are exhausted for some reason.
• The central government said that schools are required to provide an allowance to students if meals cannot be given them.
• The rules provide that concerned state governments fix responsibility on the person or agency if meals are not provided on three consecutive school days or five days in a month.
• The rules also demand that every child within the age group of six to 14 years studying in Classes 1 to 8, enrolled with and attending school, shall be provided hot-cooked meal having nutritional standards of 450 calories and 12 gm of protein for primary and 700 calories and 20 gm protein for upper primary classes free of charge every day except on school holidays.
• The mid-day meals shall be served to the children only in the school.
• If meals are not provided on 3 consecutive school days or five days in a month state government will fix responsibility on the person or agency to check it.
• The schools will also have to ensure meals are cooked in a hygienic manner.
• Schools in urban area may use the facility of centralised kitchens wherever required in accordance with the guidelines issued by the central government and the meal shall be served to children at respective school only.