Mukhyamantri Baal Gopal Yojana is related to which one of the following?

The correct answer is Milk distribution in school.

Key Points

• Mukhyamantri Baal Gopal Yojana is an initiative by the state governments in India to enhance the nutritional intake of children in government schools.
• Under this scheme, milk is distributed to school children, ensuring their overall health and development.
• The scheme primarily targets students in primary and upper primary classes enrolled in government schools.
• The milk provided is fortified with essential nutrients to address malnutrition and improve immunity among children.
• This initiative is aimed at encouraging school attendance and reducing dropout rates by ensuring better health and nutrition for students.

Additional Information

• Mid-Day Meal Scheme:
  • Launched in 1995, it is a flagship program of the Indian government to provide free lunches to school children.
  • The aim is to enhance enrollment, retention, and attendance while simultaneously improving nutritional levels of children.
  • It covers children studying in classes I-VIII in government and government-aided schools.
  • Fortified food items like rice and wheat are often included to supplement nutrition.
• Malnutrition in India:
  • India has one of the highest rates of child malnutrition globally, affecting stunting, wasting, and underweight children.
  • Malnutrition can lead to long-term health issues, reduced immunity, and poor cognitive development.
  • Government schemes like Baal Gopal Yojana focus on addressing malnutrition through targeted interventions.
• Nutritional Importance of Milk:
  • Milk is considered a complete food, rich in protein, calcium, vitamin D, and essential amino acids.
  • It aids in the development of strong bones, teeth, and overall growth in children.
  • Fortified milk includes added nutrients like vitamin A and iron, which help combat deficiencies.
• State-Specific Initiatives:
  • Different states in India have implemented similar schemes under various names to address malnutrition and improve education outcomes.
  • For example, Rajasthan's Mukhyamantri Baal Gopal Yojana focuses on milk distribution twice a week.
  • States like Uttar Pradesh and Odisha have also launched initiatives to provide nutritional support to school children.