The Mid-Day Meal Scheme also Known as PM Poshan is undoubtedly one of the important initiatives of the Government for the welfare of children studying in government schools. For many children, particularly those belonging to economically weaker families, the meal served at school is more than just food. It provides nourishment, helps them concentrate in the classroom and encourages parents to send their children to school regularly.

The scheme has played a significant role in addressing classroom hunger and promoting social equality among children. Its importance, therefore, cannot be undermined. Rather, every effort should be made to strengthen its implementation so that the intended benefits reach every eligible child.
However, a serious concern has emerged regarding the manner in which the scheme is being managed in government schools across Jammu and Kashmir. Teachers, who are already burdened with academic work, official documentation, surveys and other departmental assignments, are often left to manage the financial and administrative responsibilities associated with the scheme.
In several instances, teachers have to purchase essential items on credit from local shopkeepers or pay from their own pockets to ensure that the meals are served without interruption. The situation becomes difficult when payments are delayed for months. Shopkeepers naturally demand their money, but teachers have to wait for the Department to release the funds. This creates unnecessary financial pressure and sometimes affects their personal and family budgets.
The question is simple: Why should a teacher, appointed to educate children, be compelled to arrange money for a government scheme?
Teachers have never opposed the Mid-Day Meal Scheme. Their concern is not about the scheme itself but about the system through which it is implemented. A teacher's primary responsibility is to teach, guide students and improve learning outcomes. Making teachers responsible for arranging funds, dealing with suppliers and pursuing pending bills takes away valuable time and attention from their actual duties.
In these circumstances, the Government should seriously consider handing over the operational management of the scheme to capable and registered NGOs or other authorised agencies, wherever feasible. Such organisations could be made responsible for procuring food items, arranging supplies, maintaining accounts and ensuring timely delivery of meals, under proper departmental supervision.
Of course, any such arrangement must be transparent and accountable. The quality of food, nutritional standards, hygiene and timely service should never be compromised. The Government must retain effective monitoring and ensure that every child receives the meal to which they are entitled. A pilot project in selected zones could help assess whether this model is practical and beneficial.
Where handing over the scheme to an NGO is not feasible, the Department should at least introduce a system of advance fund release, timely payments to suppliers and a clear mechanism that does not require teachers to spend their personal money.
It is also necessary to recognise that the responsibility of running a government welfare scheme cannot be shifted onto teachers without providing the necessary financial and administrative support. Expecting them to manage expenses while waiting months for reimbursement is neither practical nor fair.
The Mid-Day Meal Scheme is meant to support children, strengthen school attendance and promote better nutrition. Its implementation should reflect the same spirit of welfare and responsibility. The Government must ensure that the scheme continues smoothly, but not at the cost of teachers' financial peace and professional responsibilities.
Children need nutritious meals, schools need an efficient system, and teachers need the freedom to teach. It is time to find a practical solution that serves all three purposes.

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