New Delhi: The federal Human Resources Development ministry’s decision to link the school meal scheme to the unique identity card will affect at least 100 million children throughout India.
The ministry took the decision in a bid to ensure transparency and increase efficiency in mid-day meal scheme.
The ministry on February 28 issued notification, making the possession of the card, known as aadhaar (base), mandatory for school children. The rule will be applicable all across the country, except Jammu and Kashmir, Meghalaya and Assam.
The card will be available to students from July 1.
According to a Hindustan Times report, the move focuses on ensuring an overall efficiency. From the total enrollment of 131,600,000 children, 100,300,000 availed midday meal on an average basis in 1.15 million schools during 2015-2016. Although the directions usually come into effect from the date of notification released February 28, the ministry has given time to all those who do not have the same until June 30.
The notification says, “The use of Aadhaar as identity document for delivery of services, benefits or subsidies simplifies the government delivery process and enables beneficiaries to get their entitlements directly and in a seamless manner.”
Also, cook-cum-helpers working under the midday meal scheme will also have to furnish Aadhaar number. “The cook-cum-helpers are also treated as beneficiaries under the scheme and hence they will also be required to furnish Aadhaar numbers.A notification will be sent to schools that students desirous of availing the benefits under the Midday meal scheme will be required to furnish proof of possession of Aadhaar number or undergo the authentication,” the official added.
The Midday Meal Scheme is a school meal program of the Government of India designed to improve the nutritional status of school-age children nationwide.