KKN Gurugram Desk | In a significant update to the Mid-Day Meal (MDM) scheme, the Bihar government has revised the weekly meal plan for 71,863 primary schools across the state. The new menu will be implemented starting February 15, 2025, and aims to enhance the nutritional value of meals provided to school children.

One of the most notable changes is that khichdi (a lentil and rice dish) will now be served only on Saturdays, instead of twice a week as per the previous schedule.

New Mid-Day Meal Menu in Bihar Schools

The revised meal plan ensures that students receive a more balanced and nutritious diet throughout the week. Here’s a breakdown of the new Mid-Day Meal menu:

• Monday & Thursday: Rice with Tadka (a dish rich in green leafy vegetables and lentils)
• Wednesday: Rice with Lal Chana Sabzi (red gram curry) and potatoes
• Friday: Rice with Chana Dal Sabzi (chickpea lentil curry)
• Saturday: Khichdi (previously served twice a week, now only once)

The decision to modify the menu was taken by the Director of Mid-Day Meal Scheme, Vinayak Mishra, who has issued directives to all District Education Officers (DEOs) for immediate implementation.

Why the Menu Change? The Objective Behind the Decision

The Mid-Day Meal Scheme is a crucial initiative aimed at improving child nutrition and encouraging school attendance among students from economically weaker sections. With over 1.10 crore students benefitting from the scheme daily, these changes are expected to enhance the nutritional value of meals.

The revised menu is designed to: ✔️ Provide more variety in children’s meals
✔️ Enhance nutritional balance by incorporating green leafy vegetables, pulses, and protein-rich foods
✔️ Improve meal taste and diversity, making school meals more appealing
✔️ Ensure better food security and health benefits for students

Earlier, khichdi was served twice a week (on Saturdays and Wednesdays), but the government found that offering more variety could lead to better nutrient absorption and student satisfaction.

Importance of the Mid-Day Meal Scheme in Bihar

The Mid-Day Meal Scheme (MDMS) is one of India’s largest school nutrition programs, ensuring that millions of children receive at least one nutritious meal a day. In Bihar, this scheme is vital for addressing malnutrition and encouraging higher school attendance.

Key Benefits of Mid-Day Meals for Bihar’s School Children

✅ Reduces Malnutrition: Aids in fulfilling the daily nutritional requirements of growing children
✅ Increases School Attendance: Provides incentives for children from low-income families to attend school regularly
✅ Improves Learning Outcomes: Well-fed children show better concentration, higher energy levels, and improved cognitive skills
✅ Boosts Gender Equality: Encourages higher enrollment of girl students, as families feel motivated to send their daughters to school

The new menu adjustments align with the government’s commitment to improving child health and nutritional intake, ensuring that students not only attend school but also receive healthy, balanced meals.

How Schools Will Implement the New Meal Plan

To ensure a smooth transition to the updated menu, all government primary schools have been instructed to: ???? Follow the revised weekly schedule strictly
???? Use locally sourced ingredients to maintain meal freshness and cost-effectiveness
???? Train school cooks to prepare nutritionally balanced meals
???? Maintain hygiene standards while preparing and serving food

Additionally, the District Education Officers (DEOs) will conduct regular monitoring to ensure compliance with the new guidelines.

Parental and Student Reactions to the New Menu

The revised meal plan has received a mixed response from parents and students. While many appreciate the increased variety, some have expressed concerns about the reduction of khichdi servings.

Feedback from Parents & Teachers

????‍???? A parent from Patna said:
“This is a good step because children will get to eat different types of food, which is important for their growth. However, khichdi is easy to digest and should still be offered twice a week.”

????‍???? A school teacher from Gaya mentioned:
“The new menu is balanced and includes more green vegetables and proteins. This is a positive move to ensure better nutrition for students.”

Challenges in Mid-Day Meal Implementation

While the new menu is a progressive step, certain challenges remain: ???? Logistics & Supply Chain: Ensuring that all schools receive adequate food supplies on time
???? Meal Quality Monitoring: Ensuring quality control in food preparation and serving
???? Acceptance Among Students: Some students may take time to adapt to the new menu

The government has assured that all necessary measures will be taken to address these challenges and ensure a successful implementation of the revised meal plan.

Future Plans for the Mid-Day Meal Scheme in Bihar

The Bihar government is also considering further improvements to the Mid-Day Meal Scheme, such as: ✅ Introducing fortified rice and pulses to enhance meal nutrition
✅ Increasing the budget allocation for better meal quality
✅ Adding milk or dairy products once a week for protein enrichment
✅ Expanding the scheme to more students in rural areas

These initiatives are expected to improve overall student health, leading to better educational outcomes in the long run.

The updated Mid-Day Meal menu in Bihar’s government schools is a significant step towards improving child nutrition, education, and overall well-being. By incorporating more protein-rich foods, vegetables, and a diverse meal plan, the government aims to provide balanced nutrition to over 1.10 crore school children.

With proper implementation, monitoring, and student acceptance, this change will positively impact children’s health, school attendance, and learning capabilities.

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