Kasaragod: The Kerala government has revised the mid-day meal menu to include more nutritious dishes, but funding for the programme remains in arrears, leaving head teachers in a difficult position. Payments for August and September have not been received, creating liabilities running into lakhs of rupees.

A school with 600 students requires around ₹1.70 lakh to cover 20 working days in a month. While the government provides fortified rice, other essentials, such as vegetables, spices, milk, eggs and cooking gas, must be purchased locally. Although the per-child mid-day meal allowance was increased this year, schools are yet to receive the funds.

Previously, the government gave bills by the end of the month, with payments made in the beginning of the following month. However, prolonged arrears have left traders unwilling to extend credit. As a result, head teachers are managing the programme by using their own funds or taking loans.

Microgreens and ragi-based dishes in the menu

The government has also suggested adding microgreens to the menu once or twice a month. In line with promoting small grains, dishes such as ragi balls, ragi kozhukatta, and kheer made from ragi or other small grains are recommended. These should be prepared using minimal jaggery and sugar.

Head teachers have expressed concern that including these items could further increase their financial burden, adding to the challenges of running the midday meal programme.