Mid-day meal scheme being extended to upper primary

Jammu, Apr 6 (UNI) The Jammu and Kashmir government has decided to extend the ambitious mid-day meal scheme to upper primary level covering around 14.43 lakh children studying in state-owned schools up to eighth standard.

This was revealed at a meeting held here convened by Minister for Education Peerzada Mohammad Sayed to review the implementation of various Centrally-sponsored schemes .

It was informed the action plan formulated for the year 2007-08 proposes for extension of the scheme to upper primary classes.

Presently, the scheme is being implemented up to primary level only. The scheme envisages provision for nutritious food to be served to children at government schools.

The Minister said the scheme aimed at attracting maximum enrolment of students, particularly from the deprived sections of society.

He said the scheme had not only helped in arresting the dropout in schools but also helped in containing mal-nutrition that led to anemia.

Calling for effective implementation of the scheme, the Minister said close monitoring was indispensable to ensure that the benefits percolated to the targeted section of society.

Secretary, Education, Khazir Mohammad Wani said a meeting of all zonal officers of Jammu Division would be convened on April 19 to evolve an effective mechanism for maintaining transparency in the implementation of the scheme.

''Enforcement of accountability at every level of the implementation of the scheme would be another important aspect to be taken care of,'' he said, adding a similar meeting would be held at Srinagar.

UNI