The HRD ministry wants the midday meal (MDM) scheme to become a part of the proposed National Food Security Bill. The National Advisory Council (NAC), which is to meet here on Wednesday, has been trying to walk a tightrope between the politically advantageous act that brings in all nutrition schemes under its ambit and the overall foodgrain supply situation across the country.
The NAC meeting is expected to see a more elaborate plan for a phased rollout of a ‘quasi universalized PDS’ along with provisions for inclusion of MDM and Integrated Child Development Scheme (ICDS). Asked by the Sonia Gandhi-headed NAC to give an estimate of extending MDM till Class X, the ministry has said it would need Rs 3,500 crore per annum. Non-recurring expenditure will be over and above the Rs 3500 crore. According to the ministry, another two crore children will be added to MDM. Presently, more than 11.35 crore children are already benefiting from the flagship programme. The ministry’s estimate is based on a current cost of Rs 4.03 per child (Rs 3.02 by the Centre and Re 1.01 by states) and the foodgrain cost that has been calculated at current BPL rate.
NAC sources said several members are keen to see the scheme turn into an expanded entitlement under the proposed National Food Security Act (NFSA). “At one go, we will have a database of nearly 13 crore families. Also, MDM has been a success. Making MDM a part of the proposed legislation will strengthen the programme,” an official said.