Summary:
Meerut/Agra: With the cost of essential commodities rising, the ministry of human resource development has ordered an increase in midday meal conversion cost by 5.35% with effect from April 1, 2018. Soon, we are going to raise a demand with the state government to increase rates for purchasing fruit and milk provided to children under the midday meal scheme.” After the increase, the cost is Rs 4.35 and Rs 6.51, respectively for primary and upper primary school students.The order further stated, “The above cooking cost rates indicate the minimum mandatory contribution by the Centre and state governments/UTs. Food grains, including wheat and rice, are not covered under the cooking cost and are provided by the Food Corporation of India.”District president of the primary teachers association, Brajesh Dixit said, “Increase in the cooking cost under the MDM scheme is a welcome move. It will help in ensuring standard quality of meal is provided to children on a daily basis..