The participation rate in urban areas, including Rajamahendravaram, Kakinada, Guntur, Vijayawada, and Kurnool, was lower, with only 50% of students partaking in the meals

Food for Thought

■ No clarity on meal portion, nutritional standards

■ 61.2% reported regularly consuming the meals

■ 32.5% consumed them occasionally

■ 1.3% stated they do not eat the meals at all

■ Many students reported that food delivered in the morning had turned cold by lunchtime, leading some to skipping meals

kiranmai tutia I amaravati

A recent study conducted by People’s Pulse has identified gaps in the Andhra Pradesh’s Dokka Seethamma Mid-Day Meal Scheme and has suggested changes to maximise its impact. The survey examined various aspects of the scheme’s implementation, including financial allocation, food quality, infrastructure, and monitoring mechanisms.

The study revealed that the scheme’s execution, lacks clarity on meal portion sizes, nutritional standards, and per-student allocation. This ambiguity has contributed to inconsistencies in food quality and availability.

Among the surveyed students, 61.2% reported regularly consuming the meals, while 32.5% consumed them occasionally. However, 1.3% stated they do not eat the meals at all. The participation rate in urban areas, including Rajamahendravaram, Kakinada, Guntur, Vijayawada, and Kurnool, was lower, with only 50% of students partaking in the meals, as others either brought food from home or opted to eat later.

Concerns over meal quality emerged, with some students expressing dissatisfaction with the taste and variety of food. Additionally, the survey found that 76.7% of students said meals aligned with the prescribed menu, while 20.8% noted occasional deviations. Also, 66.5% suggested improvements in meal variety and balance, while 29.7% were satisfied with the food quality, while 3.8% were not. Another challenge noted was the temperature of meals. Many students reported that food delivered in the morning had turned cold by lunchtime, leading some to skip meals.

Hygiene and sanitation also emerged as key areas requiring attention. While 56.1% of students found the plates and glasses clean, 17.6% disagreed, and 26.3% said cleanliness was inconsistent. Similarly, 50.5% deemed the serving area clean, whereas 32.6% found it unsanitary, and 16.9% reported occasional lapses in hygiene. The lack of proper drinking water and dining facilities in some colleges was another concern highlighted by the survey.

The way out Based on its findings, People’s Pulse proposed several measures to enhance the scheme’s effectiveness. Key recommendations include, establishing a dedicated monitoring corporation and strengthening district-level review mechanisms. Reassessing fund allocations to ensure adequate resources for quality meals and introducing a more diverse and nutritious menu to cater to students’ dietary needs.

The survey was conducted between February 15 and March 7, 2025, with researchers spending extensive time at each college to interact with students, teachers, kitchen staff, and parents. Their findings aim to support the government’s efforts in refining the scheme to better serve students across the state.

While the Dokka Seethamma Mid-Day Meal Scheme has made significant strides in addressing student nutrition and education, these insights offer valuable guidance for making it even more effective. By implementing these recommendations, the program can continue to evolve and provide lasting benefits to students across Andhra Pradesh.