Mid Day Meal Scheme — Prelims Strategy

Prelims Strategy

For Prelims, focus on factual accuracy and key details. Memorize the launch year (1995), the Supreme Court case (PUCL vs Union of India, 2001) and its impact, the rebranding year (PM POSHAN Abhiyaan, 2021), and the constitutional articles (21A, 47) and acts (NFSA 2013, RTE Act) associated with the scheme.

Pay attention to the nutritional norms (calories, protein for primary/upper primary) and the funding pattern (Centre-State sharing ratios). Understand the new initiatives under PM POSHAN like 'Poshan Vatikas' and 'Tithi Bhojan'.

Questions often test the objectives, beneficiaries, and the evolution of the scheme. Be prepared for statements that try to confuse the initial dry ration phase with the cooked meal phase, or the old scheme name with the new one.

Cross-reference with other child welfare schemes like ICDS to understand their distinct and overlapping features. Vyyuha's Quick Recall mnemonic (MEALS Framework) will be particularly useful here for rapid revision of core facts.