Indian Agricultural: Growth, Generation, Policy & Problem Indian Agricultural | Page 46

Pg.no. 45
scheme has been slow to take off in many states, however, with the passage of time scheme's
performance has remarkably improved.
Mid-Day Meal Scheme:
The scheme was launched by the Ministry of Human Resource Development from August 15, 1995
for the benefit of students in primary schools in EAS/earlier RPDS blocks (2368). The Scheme covers
students (Class I-V) in the Government Primary' Schools / Primary Schools aided by Govt, and the
Primary Schools run by local bodies. Food grains (wheat and rice) are supplied free of cost @ 100
gram per child per school day where cooked/processed hot meal is being served with a Minimum
content of 300 calories and 8-12 grams of protein each day of school for a minimum of 200 days and
3 kgs per student per month for 10 months in a year, where food grains are distributed in raw form.
Wheat Based Nutrition Programme (WBNP):
Launched under the auspices of the Department of Women & Child Development, Ministry of Human
Resource Development, allotted food grains under the scheme are utilized by the States/UTs under
Integrated Child Development Scheme (ICDS) for providing nutritious/ energy food to children below 6
years of age and expectant lactating women.
Scheme for Food grains to SC/ST/OBC:
Introduced in October 1994, the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment implements and monitors
the scheme. The residents of the hostels having 2/3 students belonging to these categories are
eligible to get 15 kg food grains per resident per month. Annapurna Scheme: The Ministry of Rural
Development launched this scheme in 2001-2002 for indigent senior citizens or 65 years of age or
above who though eligible for old age pension under the National Old Age Pension Scheme (NOAPS)
but are not getting the pension are covered under the Scheme. 10 kgs of food grains per person per
month are supplied free of cost under the scheme.
Ramesh Kumar P