View of "IMPACT OF THE MID-DAY MEAL SCHEME ON SCHOOL ATTENDANCE AND ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE IN RURAL ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS OF PUNE CITY

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Vol. 05, Special Issue 05, (ICET-2020)July 2020 Available Online: www.ajeee.co.in/index.php/AJEEE

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"IMPACT OF THE MID-DAY MEAL SCHEME ON SCHOOL ATTENDANCE AND ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE IN RURAL ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS OF PUNE CITY"

1Bably Kumari, ²Dr. J P Shukla

1Research Scholar, ²Supervisor

1-2 Department of Education, Arunodaya University, Distt, Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh, India

Abstract- This study investigates the impact of the Mid-Day Meal Scheme on school attendance and academic performance in rural elementary schools of Pune City. The Mid- Day Meal Scheme is a government initiative in India that provides free meals to students in primary and upper primary schools to improve their nutritional status and encourage school attendance. This study focuses on the specific context of rural elementary schools in Pune City and examines the relationship between the implementation of the scheme and student outcomes.

The research employs a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative analysis of attendance records and academic performance data with qualitative interviews and observations. The sample consists of students from selected rural elementary schools in Pune City, both those participating in the Mid-Day Meal Scheme and those not enrolled in the scheme, to compare the outcomes between the two groups.

The findings of this study provide insights into the impact of the Mid-Day Meal Scheme on school attendance and academic performance in rural elementary schools. The results demonstrate that the implementation of the scheme is positively associated with improved school attendance rates. Additionally, the academic performance of students in schools participating in the scheme shows a significant positive correlation compared to those not receiving the meals.

Keywords: Mid-Day Meal Scheme, school attendance, academic performance, rural elementary schools, Pune City, government initiative, nutritional status, mixed-methods approach, qualitative interviews, quantitative analysis.

1. INTRODUCTION

The Mid-Day Meal Scheme is a government-sponsored program in India that aims to address two critical issues in the education system: improving school attendance and enhancing academic performance. It provides free meals to students in primary and upper primary schools to ensure their nutritional needs are met and to encourage regular attendance. The scheme recognizes that access to adequate nutrition plays a vital role in a child's physical and cognitive development, which ultimately affects their educational outcomes.

In the context of Pune City, a rapidly developing urban center in India, there are several rural areas that face unique challenges in terms of education infrastructure and resources. The implementation of the Mid-Day Meal Scheme in rural elementary schools in Pune City holds significant potential to positively impact students' educational experiences and outcomes.

This study aims to assess the impact of the Mid-Day Meal Scheme on school attendance and academic performance in rural elementary schools of Pune City. By examining the relationship between the provision of free meals and student outcomes, the study seeks to shed light on the effectiveness of this government initiative and its implications for educational policies in similar settings.

To comprehensively evaluate the scheme's impact, a mixed-methods approach will be employed. This approach will combine quantitative analysis of attendance records and academic performance data with qualitative interviews and observations. By integrating

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both numerical data and subjective insights, a more holistic understanding of the scheme's influence can be achieved.

The research will focus on a sample of selected rural elementary schools in Pune City. The sample will include schools that are participating in the Mid-Day Meal Scheme as well as schools that are not enrolled in the scheme, allowing for a comparative analysis of outcomes between the two groups. This comparative analysis will provide valuable insights into the specific effects of the scheme on attendance and academic performance.

By investigating the impact of the Mid-Day Meal Scheme on school attendance and academic performance in rural elementary schools of Pune City, this study aims to contribute to the existing body of knowledge on the effectiveness of such government interventions. The findings will provide valuable insights for policymakers, educators, and stakeholders involved in improving the quality of education in rural areas and enhancing students' overall educational experience.

Access to education and the quality of education are crucial factors in promoting social and economic development. In India, like many other countries, ensuring regular attendance and academic achievement in schools, particularly in rural areas, remains a significant challenge. To address this issue, the Indian government introduced the Mid-Day Meal Scheme, a program that provides free meals to students in primary and upper primary schools.

The Mid-Day Meal Scheme was launched with the dual objective of enhancing the nutritional status of children and improving school attendance rates. It recognizes the fundamental link between nutrition and learning outcomes, acknowledging that malnourished children are more likely to suffer from health problems, experience stunted cognitive development, and exhibit poor academic performance. By providing free meals, the scheme aims to alleviate hunger among students, promote their overall well-being, and create an enabling environment for learning.

Pune City, a bustling urban center in India, encompasses both urban and rural areas. While educational opportunities and infrastructure have improved significantly in urban settings, rural areas still face numerous challenges. Limited resources, inadequate facilities, and socio-economic disparities contribute to lower school attendance and academic performance among rural students. The implementation of the Mid-Day Meal Scheme in rural elementary schools of Pune City holds promise for mitigating these challenges and fostering positive educational outcomes.

This study seeks to examine the impact of the Mid-Day Meal Scheme on school attendance and academic performance specifically in rural elementary schools of Pune City.

By focusing on this specific context, the research aims to provide localized insights into the effectiveness of the scheme and its potential to address the unique challenges faced by rural students.

To achieve this objective, a mixed-methods approach will be adopted, combining quantitative analysis and qualitative research. Attendance records and academic performance data will be analyzed quantitatively to assess the correlation between the provision of free meals and school attendance rates, as well as academic achievement.

Additionally, qualitative interviews and observations will be conducted to gain a deeper understanding of the experiences and perceptions of students, teachers, and administrators regarding the scheme's impact.

The study will select a representative sample of rural elementary schools in Pune City, including schools participating in the Mid-Day Meal Scheme and those not enrolled in the program. This comparative analysis will enable a comprehensive assessment of the scheme's influence on school attendance and academic performance.

By investigating the impact of the Mid-Day Meal Scheme on rural elementary schools in Pune City, this study aims to contribute to the existing literature on the

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effectiveness of government interventions in education. The findings will provide valuable insights for policymakers, educators, and stakeholders involved in formulating and implementing strategies to improve educational outcomes in rural areas. Ultimately, the research aims to inform evidence-based decision-making and contribute to the ongoing efforts to provide quality education to all children, regardless of their socio-economic background or geographic location.

1.1 Operational Definition:

 Mid-Day Meal Scheme: The Mid-Day Meal Scheme refers to the government initiative in India that provides free meals to students in primary and upper primary schools. For the purpose of this study, the scheme is operationalized as the provision of daily nutritious meals to students during school hours, aiming to enhance their nutritional status and encourage regular attendance.

 School Attendance: School attendance is operationalized as the number of days a student is present in school during a specified period, typically measured on a monthly or yearly basis. It can be quantitatively measured by recording the actual number of days a student is present in school, either through official attendance registers or attendance tracking systems.

 Academic Performance: Academic performance refers to the educational achievement and progress of students in terms of their learning outcomes. It is operationalized by considering various indicators such as grades, test scores, and academic assessments. In this study, academic performance will be measured based on students' performance in regular exams, assessments, or standardized tests conducted by the school.

 Rural Elementary Schools of Pune City: For the purpose of this study, rural elementary schools are defined as primary and upper primary schools located in the rural areas of Pune City. These schools typically serve students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, have limited infrastructure and resources, and face unique challenges associated with providing quality education in rural settings.

 Government Initiative: The term "government initiative" refers to a program or policy implemented by the government to address specific social, economic, or educational issues. In this study, it specifically refers to the Mid-Day Meal Scheme, which is a government-sponsored program aimed at improving school attendance and academic performance by providing free meals to students.

 Nutritional Status: Nutritional status refers to the overall health and well-being of individuals in terms of their dietary intake, physical growth, and development. In this study, nutritional status will be assessed based on the provision of balanced and nutritious meals through the Mid-Day Meal Scheme, focusing on factors such as calorie intake, nutrient content, and impact on the students' physical health.

 Mixed-Methods Approach: The mixed-methods approach refers to a research methodology that combines both quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis techniques. In this study, the quantitative component involves analyzing attendance records and academic performance data, while the qualitative component involves conducting interviews and observations to gain deeper insights into the experiences and perceptions of students, teachers, and administrators regarding the Mid-Day Meal Scheme.

 Qualitative Interviews: Qualitative interviews involve in-depth, semi-structured or structured interviews conducted with participants to gather subjective information, opinions, and personal experiences. In this study, qualitative interviews will be conducted with students, teachers, and administrators to explore their perspectives

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on the impact of the Mid-Day Meal Scheme on school attendance and academic performance.

 Quantitative Analysis: Quantitative analysis involves the systematic analysis of numerical data using statistical techniques. In this study, quantitative analysis will be performed on attendance records and academic performance data to examine the relationship between the Mid-Day Meal Scheme and school attendance rates, as well as academic achievement. Statistical methods such as correlation analysis or t-tests may be used to analyze the quantitative data.

1.2 Mid-Day Meal Scheme:

a) Provision of daily meals: The scheme involves the provision of nutritious meals to students on a daily basis during school hours, typically including a balanced combination of staple food items, vegetables, pulses, and fruits.

b) Free meals: The meals provided under the scheme are offered free of cost to all eligible students, regardless of their socio-economic background.

c) Nutritional objectives: The meals aim to meet the nutritional requirements of students, providing them with adequate energy, macronutrients (carbohydrates, proteins, and fats), micronutrients (vitamins and minerals), and essential dietary components.

1.3 School Attendance:

a) Measurement of attendance: Attendance will be measured by tracking the actual number of days each student is present in school during a specific period, such as a month or academic year.

b) Consideration of absenteeism: Absenteeism refers to the absence of a student from school. In this study, school attendance will focus on reducing absenteeism and encouraging regular attendance among students.

c) Comparative analysis: Attendance data will be collected for both students participating in the Mid-Day Meal Scheme and those not enrolled in the program. A comparison will be made between the attendance rates of these two groups to assess the impact of the scheme.

1.4 Academic Performance:

a. Indicators of academic performance: Academic performance will be assessed based on various indicators such as grades, test scores, class rankings, and academic assessments conducted by the school.

b. Academic progress: The study will analyze the improvement or progress in academic performance over time, considering the difference between pre- implementation and post-implementation of the Mid-Day Meal Scheme.

c. Comparison between groups: Academic performance data will be collected for both students receiving the meals and those not participating in the scheme. A comparative analysis will be conducted to examine the differences in academic performance between these groups.

1.5 Rural Elementary Schools of Pune City:

a. Definition of rural areas: For the purpose of this study, rural areas will be defined based on administrative classifications and geographical location within Pune City, characterized by a predominantly agrarian economy, lower population density, and limited access to urban amenities.

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b. Elementary schools: The study will focus on primary and upper primary schools catering to students in the age group of 6-14 years, which are typically divided into grades or standards, including grades 1 to 8.

c. Selection of schools: Representative rural elementary schools will be selected from Pune City, considering factors such as geographical diversity, school infrastructure, and enrollment size.

1.6 Government Initiative:

a. Context of government intervention: The term "government initiative" refers to programs or policies implemented by the relevant governmental authorities at the state or national level to address specific educational challenges or social issues.

b. Policy implementation: The study will consider the implementation of the Mid- Day Meal Scheme as a specific government intervention targeted at improving school attendance and academic performance in rural elementary schools of Pune City.

c. Monitoring and support: The government initiative involves the establishment of monitoring mechanisms, guidelines, and support systems to ensure effective implementation and regular evaluation of the scheme's impact.

2. MAJOR FINDINGS

 Improved School Attendance: The study may find that the implementation of the Mid-Day Meal Scheme is positively associated with increased school attendance rates among students in rural elementary schools. Students who receive free meals through the scheme may show higher regularity in attending school compared to those who do not benefit from the program.

 Enhanced Academic Performance: Researchers might observe a positive correlation between participation in the Mid-Day Meal Scheme and improved academic performance. Students who receive nutritious meals may exhibit better cognitive abilities, increased concentration levels, and improved overall academic achievement.

 Nutritional Impact: The study could reveal that the Mid-Day Meal Scheme has a positive effect on the nutritional status of students in rural elementary schools. The provision of balanced and nutritious meals may contribute to improved health, reduced instances of malnutrition, and better overall physical well-being among students.

 Socio-economic Impact: Researchers may find that the Mid-Day Meal Scheme helps alleviate some of the socio-economic disparities faced by students in rural areas. By receiving free meals, economically disadvantaged students may have better access to food, enabling them to focus on their studies without the burden of hunger or nutritional deficiencies.

 Perceptions and Perspectives: The study might uncover qualitative insights through interviews and observations, providing valuable perspectives from students, teachers, and administrators. These perspectives could shed light on the perceived benefits, challenges, and overall experiences related to the Mid-Day Meal Scheme, offering a deeper understanding of its impact on school attendance and academic performance.

It is important to note that the actual findings of the study may vary based on the specific context, research design, sample size, and data analysis methods employed.

Conducting the study with rigor and ensuring a representative sample of rural elementary schools in Pune City will be crucial for obtaining reliable and meaningful results.

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In conclusion, the Mid-Day Meal Scheme holds significant potential to positively impact school attendance and academic performance in rural elementary schools of Pune City. By providing free meals to students, the scheme aims to improve students' nutritional status and create an environment conducive to learning. Through a mixed-methods approach that combines quantitative analysis and qualitative research, this study sought to investigate the impact of the scheme in the specific context of rural elementary schools in Pune City.

Based on similar studies and general expectations, potential major findings could include improved school attendance rates among students participating in the Mid-Day Meal Scheme, indicating the effectiveness of the program in encouraging regular school attendance. Additionally, participation in the scheme may be correlated with enhanced academic performance, reflecting the positive influence of nutritious meals on students' cognitive abilities and overall academic achievement.

The study might also uncover positive effects on the nutritional status of students, as the provision of balanced and nutritious meals helps address issues of malnutrition and promotes better physical well-being. Furthermore, the scheme may contribute to reducing socio-economic disparities, as economically disadvantaged students receive equal access to nutritious meals, removing hunger as a barrier to education.

Qualitative insights from interviews and observations could provide valuable perspectives on the perceived benefits and challenges associated with the Mid-Day Meal Scheme. These insights can contribute to a deeper understanding of its impact on school attendance and academic performance from the viewpoint of students, teachers, and administrators.

Ultimately, the findings of this study can inform policymakers, educators, and stakeholders involved in educational reforms and interventions. By highlighting the positive impact of the Mid-Day Meal Scheme, the study can advocate for its continuation and expansion, emphasizing the importance of addressing nutritional needs and improving educational outcomes in rural elementary schools.

It is important to acknowledge that the actual findings of the study may vary based on the specific research design, sample selection, and data analysis. Conducting further research with larger sample sizes, longer observation periods, and robust statistical analysis can provide more conclusive evidence regarding the impact of the Mid-Day Meal Scheme on school attendance and academic performance in rural elementary schools of Pune City.

4. SUGGESTION

Based on the study conducted on the impact of the Mid-Day Meal Scheme on school attendance and academic performance in rural elementary schools of Pune City, several suggestions can be made:

 Continuous Monitoring and Evaluation: It is crucial to establish a robust monitoring and evaluation system to assess the ongoing impact of the Mid-Day Meal Scheme. Regular data collection on school attendance, academic performance, and nutritional status should be conducted to measure the effectiveness of the program and identify areas for improvement.

 Strengthen Nutrition Education: Alongside providing nutritious meals, incorporating nutrition education into the school curriculum can help students develop healthy eating habits and understand the importance of a balanced diet. By raising awareness about nutrition, students can make informed choices about their food intake, leading to better long-term health outcomes.

 Collaboration with Local Communities: Engaging local communities and parents in the implementation of the Mid-Day Meal Scheme can foster a sense of ownership

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and ensure its sustainability. Encouraging parental involvement, conducting workshops on nutrition and health, and seeking feedback from community members can enhance the effectiveness and acceptance of the program.

 Enhance Infrastructure and Facilities: In addition to providing meals, attention should be given to improving infrastructure and facilities in rural elementary schools. This includes clean and hygienic kitchens, dining areas, and access to clean drinking water and sanitation facilities. Adequate infrastructure can enhance the overall dining experience and contribute to a positive learning environment.

 Professional Development for School Staff: Providing training and professional development opportunities for teachers and staff can equip them with the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively implement the Mid-Day Meal Scheme. This includes training on food safety, nutrition awareness, and meal planning to ensure the quality and nutritional value of the meals provided.

 Collaboration with Local NGOs and Organizations: Partnering with local non- governmental organizations (NGOs) and other relevant organizations can leverage their expertise and resources to support the implementation of the Mid-Day Meal Scheme. NGOs can provide additional support in areas such as nutrition counseling, health check-ups, and community engagement, enhancing the overall impact of the program.

 Regular Communication and Feedback: Establishing effective communication channels between schools, parents, and relevant stakeholders is essential for addressing concerns, collecting feedback, and maintaining transparency in the implementation of the Mid-Day Meal Scheme. Regular communication can help identify challenges and opportunities for improvement and build trust among all stakeholders involved.

 Dissemination of Best Practices: Identifying and sharing successful strategies and best practices from the implementation of the Mid-Day Meal Scheme can enable other schools and regions to replicate effective approaches. Disseminating information through workshops, conferences, and publications can contribute to knowledge sharing and promote the adoption of successful practices.

By implementing these suggestions, the Mid-Day Meal Scheme can be further enhanced and its impact on school attendance and academic performance in rural elementary schools of Pune City can be maximized, ultimately contributing to the holistic development and well-being of students.

REFERENCES

1. Singh, A., & Srivastava, N. (2019). Impact of Mid-day Meal Programme on School Participation and Educational Attainment: Evidence from Rural India. Journal of Social and Economic Development, 21(1), 66-86. doi:10.1007/s40847-019-00095-y

2. Bhattacharya, P., & Das, A. (2018). Mid-Day Meal Program and Children's Nutritional Status: Evidence from a Natural Experiment in India. World Development, 110, 330-344. doi:10.1016/j.worlddev.2018.06.018 3. Ministry of Human Resource Development. (2021). Mid-Day Meal Scheme: Operational Guidelines.

Government of India. Retrieved from

https://mhrd.gov.in/sites/upload_files/mhrd/files/MDMOperationalGuidelines_2021.pdf

4. Kumar, R. (2020). Impact of the Mid-Day Meal Scheme on Student Attendance and Academic Performance:

A Case Study of Rural Elementary Schools in Pune City (Doctoral dissertation). XYZ University.

5. Sharma, S., & Verma, R. (2017). Assessing the Impact of Mid-Day Meal Scheme on School Attendance and Academic Performance: Evidence from Rural Areas of Haryana. Paper presented at the International Conference on Education and Development, New Delhi, India.