Will the Minister of HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state:-

(a) the present number of students in Karnataka, covered under the Mid-day Meal scheme for which funds have been released by the Central Government for 2007-08;
(b) whether there is any proposal to widen the scope of the scheme in the near future; and

(b) if so, the details thereof? ANSWER

ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
(SHRI M.A.A. FATMI)

(a): For the year 2007-08, Central Assistance for Mid Day Meal was released for 38, 52,508 children at primary stage in Karnataka. In addition, Central Assistance was released for 9, 78,113 children at upper primary stage in 74 educationally backward blocks in the State with effect from 1.10.2007.

(b) and (c): From the financial year 2008-09, the scheme will be expanded to cover children studying in classes VI-VIII in eligible schools/centers all over the State of Karnataka. By this expansion, the number of children at upper primary level will increase to 20, 31,143.