Question

What was the main objective of introducing the Mid-day Meal Scheme in schools?

• A. Increase the number of schools.
• B. Improve student enrolment and retention.
• C. Training for primary teachers.
• D. Provide free textbooks and school uniforms.

Hint:

Remember the four major objectives of the Mid-day Meal Scheme:
• Increase enrolment.
• Improve attendance.
• Improve retention.
• Reduce classroom hunger and improve nutrition.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Concept: The Mid-day Meal Scheme is one of the world's largest school meal programmes introduced by the Government of India to improve children's nutritional status and encourage school attendance. Its major objectives include:
• Increasing enrolment in schools.
• Improving attendance and retention of students.
• Reducing classroom hunger.
• Improving the nutritional status of children.

Step 1: Understand the purpose of the scheme.
Many children from economically weaker families were unable to attend school regularly because of poverty and hunger. Providing a free cooked meal encouraged children to: \[ \boxed{\text{Enroll in school and continue their education.}} \]

Step 2: Identify the primary objective.
Although the scheme has several benefits, its main educational objective is: \[ \boxed{\text{Improve student enrolment and retention}} \] which helps reduce dropout rates.

Step 3: Compare the options.

• Increase the number of schools -- Not the objective.
• Improve student enrolment and retention -- Correct.
• Training for primary teachers -- Unrelated.
• Provide free textbooks and uniforms -- Covered under other schemes, not the Mid-day Meal Scheme.

Step 4: Final conclusion.
Therefore, the correct answer is: \[ \boxed{\text{Improve student enrolment and retention}} \]