Mid-Day Meal (MDM), a component of the Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman (PM Poshan) scheme, has not been implemented in schools across Meghalaya. The state government has not provided the meals that the scheme requires, leaving many students without midday nutrition.
The Meghalaya Cook & Helpers Union has formally demanded that the government deliver the MDM programme. In 2024 the union’s representatives met with several officials, including Secretary Sanjay Kumar of the School Education & Literacy Department, who travelled to New Delhi to submit a memorandum on the matter.
Further visits by central officials have taken place. On 20 June 2024, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman visited West Jaintia Hills at Wahiajer, accompanied by Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar and Education Minister Lahkmen Rymbui. On 10 August, Union Education Minister Prahlad Joshi also visited the state, yet the MDM scheme remains unimplemented.
Rajya Sabha MP James PK Sangma has voiced his concern over the situation, stating that the lack of implementation is “disappointing” and that the government has not taken adequate action. He urged state authorities to ensure that the scheme’s provisions are delivered to schools as intended.
