Perception of School Student Parents under Mid-day Meal Scheme (MDMS) in Paschim Medinipur District of West Bengal, India

Abstract

The mid-day meal scheme (MDMS) is one of India’s largest child welfare interventions aimed at reducing
classroom hunger and improving educational and nutritional outcomes, particularly among disadvantaged
groups. This study examines the perceptions of parents of tribal and non-tribal schoolchildren regarding
the implementation and impact of MDMS in Paschim Medinipur district of West Bengal, a region marked
by socio-economic vulnerability and significant tribal concentration. Using a purposive-cum-random
sampling method, data were collected from parents of 240 students (120 tribal and 120 non-tribal) enrolled
in classes V–VIII across four selected schools. A pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire was used, and the
data were analyzed through percentages, Kendall’s tau correlation, and constraints ranking. Findings reveal
high participation and strong parental satisfaction, particularly among tribal households. Parents widely
acknowledged improvements in children’s health, weight, height, nutritional status, activeness, and school
attendance. Hygiene in food preparation and regularity of meal service were also positively rated. Correlation
analyses demonstrated significant associations between MDMS outcomes and parental socio-demographic
characteristics, including education, income, and family type. Despite positive impacts, constraints such as
food quality, menu monotony, inadequate cleanliness, and occasional misbehavior during food distribution
were reported. Overall, MDMS remains a vital support mechanism, especially for tribal families, enhancing
child nutrition, motivation, and school retention.