Mid Day Meal Scheme — Amendments

Amendment	Year	Description	Impact
Policy Shift (not constitutional amendment)	2001	Supreme Court's directive in PUCL vs Union of India mandated the provision of cooked meals instead of dry rations, fundamentally altering the scheme's implementation.	Transformed the scheme into an effective tool against classroom hunger, significantly boosting school attendance and nutritional outcomes. Made the provision of cooked meals a legal imperative.
Policy Expansion	2007	The scheme was extended to cover children in upper primary classes (VI-VIII) in government and government-aided schools across the country.	Increased the beneficiary base and extended nutritional support to older children, addressing their specific dietary needs and further reducing dropout rates at the upper primary level.
National Food Security Act (NFSA) Integration	2013	The Mid Day Meal Scheme was integrated into the NFSA, providing a statutory backing and legal entitlement to meals for eligible children.	Elevated the scheme from a welfare program to a legal right, ensuring greater accountability and providing for food security allowance in case of non-supply of meals.
Rebranding and Policy Overhaul	2021	The scheme was rebranded as PM POSHAN Abhiyaan (Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman Abhiyaan) with a broader mandate and new features.	Expanded coverage to pre-primary children, introduced 'Poshan Vatikas' and 'Tithi Bhojan', enhanced focus on nutritional outcomes, quality, and community participation, aligning with NEP 2020.