“The Mid-day meal scheme has helped reduce caste prejudices among students and promoted social justice.” Explain the statement by choosing the correct option.
A. Children of all castes eat together.
B. In many places, Dalit women are employed to cook meals.
C. Enrolment of poor children in schools has increased many times.
D. Reduced the dropout rates in schools.
Options:

Correct option is A

The correct answer is A, B, C, and D because the Mid-day Meal Scheme has contributed to promoting social justice in several ways, including reducing caste prejudices, increasing school enrolment, lowering dropout rates, and employing Dalit women as cooks. This scheme aims to provide nutritious meals to school children while fostering an inclusive environment where children from different castes and backgrounds share meals together, helping break caste barriers and promoting social equality.

Information Booster:

·       Children of all castes eating together fosters a sense of equality and reduces social distance between caste groups.

·       Employment of Dalit women to cook meals further breaks social hierarchies and creates employment opportunities for marginalized communities.

·       Increased enrolment of poor children ensures access to education for economically disadvantaged groups, particularly from lower castes.

·       Reduced dropout rates as children are more likely to stay in school when provided with nutritious meals, promoting overall educational attainment.

·       Improvement in social cohesion due to inclusive meal-sharing practices, contributing to reduced caste-based discrimination.

Additional Knowledge:

·       Children of all castes eating together: In schools where children sit together and share meals, the traditional caste boundaries are weakened, fostering an environment of mutual respect and equality. This has had a profound impact on promoting social cohesion.

·       Dalit women employed as cooks: The employment of Dalit women in the Mid-day Meal Scheme challenges existing caste norms that often prohibit certain communities from preparing food for others. This progressive step has not only provided employment to marginalized women but also normalized interactions across caste lines.

·       Increased enrolment: The promise of a nutritious meal acts as an incentive for poor families to send their children, particularly from lower socio-economic backgrounds, to school. This has led to a significant increase in enrolment rates, especially among marginalized communities.

·       Reduced dropout rates: Many children from poor families often drop out of school due to hunger and the need to contribute economically to their households. The Mid-day Meal Scheme helps alleviate this burden by ensuring children receive at least one nutritious meal, keeping them in school for longer.