Infrastructural Development And Implementation Of Mid Day Meal Scheme In Elementary Education: A Case Study Of Purba Medinipur District

This study presents an in-depth analysis of the current situation of elementary education in the Purba Medinipur district of West Bengal, India, focusing on infrastructural progress and persistent challenges, along with a specific focus on the implementation of the cooked mid-day meal programme. The data were gathered through structured interviews with school heads, direct observations, and interactions with students and Self-Help Group (SHG) members involved in cooked mid-day meal preparation. The study reveals that while many schools meet basic educational standards, critical gaps are present in areas such as sanitation, safety, and essential educational resources, including libraries and playgrounds. Moreover, the cooked mid-day meal programme has shown positive outcomes in enhancing attendance and nutritional support, yet it faces challenges in maintaining hygiene and safe cooking practices. These findings underscore the need for focused improvements and policy-driven interventions to create a more inclusive, supportive and secure learning environment in Purba Medinipur, which is essential for the holistic development of learners of the elementary level of education in this region.