Monitoring and Evaluation Mechanisms in the Mid-Day Meal Scheme: A Policy Review

Abstract

As one of the world’s largest school feeding operations the Mid-Day Meal (MDM) Scheme combats hunger together with malnutrition while boosting school attendance in India. The MDM scheme has successfully enhanced child health and school attendance levels yet its appearance suffers from detection gaps in delivery and service quality standards together with insufficient contextual controls. This research paper performs a thorough assessment of the M&E systems built into the MDM policy structure. Using secondary data including government reports and policy documents besides case studies from Indian states the paper evaluates the present M&E practices by identifying their operational challenges and system weaknesses. The author advocates for service delivery systems which depend on technological infrastructure and decentralized management alongside community involvement for transparent food quality and efficient service procedures. The paper presents policy suggestions to enhance real-time monitoring and grievance management along with accountability systems within the Mid-Day Meal Scheme.