Problems faced by teachers in implementation of mid day meal scheme at primary school level in jammu province

Mid Day Meal Scheme is being implemented in India since August 15, 1995, as a part of the National Programme of Nutritional Support to Primary Education. It was introduced in India with an objective to enhance enrolment, retention and attendance and simultaneously improving nutritional levels among children. Teachers play a key role in the successful implementation of mid day meal scheme at school level. The paper focuses on the problems faced by teachers in the implementation of mid day meal scheme. The study on which this paper is based was conducted in the Jammu Province. Survey method of descriptive research was used. Multistage sampling technique was used for the selection of sample. The sample size comprised 200 teachers selected randomly from the primary schools of Jammu Province. Self prepared questionnaire was used to collect the primary data. Data was analyzed using simple statistical technique such as percentages. Teachers pointed out a number of problems such as problem of management of the mid day meal, wastage of food by the students, insufficient and delayed receipt of funds, increased workload of teachers, procuring dry ration from the retail shops, lack of infrastructure for storage, cooking and serving food, lack of safety provisions, unhygienic surroundings, etc. being faced by them in implementation of Mid Day Meal Scheme. The paper puts forward certain suggestions for effective implementation of the scheme so that objectives of mid day meal can be achieved.