Mid-day meal programme provides –
**Core Concept**
The mid-day meal programme is a government initiative aimed at improving the nutritional status of school-going children in India. It involves providing a free meal to students in government and government-aided schools to promote attendance, improve learning outcomes, and enhance overall health.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The mid-day meal programme is a key component of the National Programme for the Education of the Scheduled Castes (NPESC) and the National Programme for the Education of the Scheduled Tribes (NPESC). The programme aims to provide a free, nutritious meal to students, particularly from disadvantaged backgrounds, to improve their educational outcomes and overall well-being. The meals are designed to meet the nutritional requirements of children, with a focus on providing calories, proteins, and essential micronutrients.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** This option is incorrect because the mid-day meal programme is not primarily focused on providing financial assistance to schools.
**Option B:** This option is incorrect because the programme is not specifically designed to promote physical education in schools.
**Option C:** This option is incorrect because the programme is not primarily focused on providing textbooks or educational materials to students.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
The mid-day meal programme has been shown to have a positive impact on attendance, learning outcomes, and overall health of school-going children in India. It is a crucial initiative in promoting education and nutrition among disadvantaged communities.
**Correct Answer:** D.