January 24, 2014
WB ranks 3rd among states in mid-day meal scheme implementation, up from 12th position in 2010
West Bengal has secured 3rd rank among the states in implementing the mid-day meal scheme in schools across the state. 97% of the students enrolled in various schools in West Bengal are the beneficiaries of the scheme, a Central Govt report has revealed, which comes to a whooping 1,22,98,419 students in all.
According to a similar survey done in 2010-11, West Bengal was at the 12th position. Undoubtedly, this is a big leap forward for the state, under the able guidance of Chief Minister Ms. Mamata Banerjee.
To add to the laurels, the Union Ministry of Human Resources Development did not find any discrepancies in the records provided by the West Bengal government in the report of cost incurred for implementing the scheme. The Centre was also impressed with the quality of food provided in schools.
Kerala tops the list of large states with 99% students benefiting from the scheme, sharing the honour with Arunachal Pradesh (among small states) at 98%. Bengal is tied at 3rd spot with Haryana. The second rank was secured by Lakshadweep.
The reason behind the success of West Bengal can be attributed to the consistent efforts of WB CM in restoring peace in Jangalmahal and the Hills, where children have now returned to the schools, free from terror and bandhs.
