A minor study on the Mid-Day Meal Scheme

A report on Household Social Consumption on Education in India for the year 2017-18 was released by the National Statistical Office. It dispersed various facts on education, internet facility, and literacy rate in both the rural and urban sectors through a survey. A table on the mid-day meal scheme was exposed.

It effected that 52.6% of students in the rural area between the age of 3 to 35 attend pre-primary and above level of education as they were provided mid-day meal/tiffin/nutrition. Whereas in urban, 30.2% attend for the same factor. Rewinding the history of the scheme, Tamil Nadu has notably been its pioneer.

Kamarajar was the man behind the introduction of the Mid-day meal scheme. The main objective of the scheme is ‘to enhance enrollment, retention, and attendance’ among school children and thereby improving their nutritional standards.

Talking about the positive aspects, it has contributed to an increase in education enrollment, especially in the rural sector. It is also a major relief to low-income group families. On the other hand, the scheme has also generated employment to support the preparation of food, transportation, supervision, and others.

With respect to the funds for meeting expenditure, the two main sources are the gross budgetary support and a cess. A study has claimed that the majority of expenses were met through the cess collected. However, there has been a gradual decline in the budget allocation for this scheme over years. Only in the recent past, there was a 5% raise.

On the contrary, the quality of food was subject to controversy. Perhaps, the outbreak of coronavirus has largely effected this scheme too. Although the government claimed to make arrangements for the distribution of food to those children, some rural households were also informed that they will be issued money under this scheme. While some officials claimed to issue the grains through PDS or ration cards. Not all rural households own a ration card. This again is a drawback in managing the issue which thereby leaves the main objective unaddressed. Lockdown, closure of schools, digitalization, and online education has further increased the gap between the rural population and basic needs.

Jallikattu time again? PETA in action!

Jallikattu has been under a lot of controversies in the past. It has been through prohibition and also amendments in the Prevention of Cruelty of Animals Act, 1960 reversing the Supreme Court ban.

Yet again, it is on the news. 

The Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) requested the Tamil Nadu government to comment on the inspection report of the bull-taming sport conducted this year. According to the People for Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) inspection report, six animals said to have died during the event.

Statements from the report as quoted by Dr. S K Dutta, Secretary, AWBI, exclaimed that pictures showcased cruelty that the animals were teased with nails. Data of one animal death recorded by the committee established in coordination with the TN government contradicts the data put forward by the PETA. Hence, the AWBI has called the government to furnish its comments or views on the report received from PETA at the earliest for further action. Amid pandemic and increasing tensions over the India-China issue, Animal welfare organizations seek public attention.

Concerning Covid-19 Vaccine, the Indian Council of Medical Research wrote to medical institutions and hospitals to fasten the trials aiming to launch a vaccine by 15th August, remarking independence day. On the other hand, a survey by an NGO, Society for Empowerment (SFE) in Patna has exposed that cultural habits of people in tribal areas in Chhattisgarh kept them virus-free. The report expressly stated on the use of traditional herbs and medicines along with social distancing norms of their culture. As cases continue to surge, it’s high time we become more conscious (over health on top priority).

Throughout and after the pandemic

The number of coronavirus cases has continued to surge in India marking a total tally of 509, 737 according to Worldmeter data. The death toll has climbed to 15,700. It's been more than three months since we have locked ourselves and beginning to get used to social distancing norms which is our new normal. We witness at least one positive case reported in our proximity causing tension and worry. In the middle of raising tension, Livemint came up with a news feed on the recovery rate of different states in India based on data available until 25th June 2020.

According to the report, Meghalaya has so far reported 46 cases with 90% recovery rate. It is followed by states like Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar and Gujarat with recovery rate recorded between 70 to 78 percent. While recovery rate in Tamil Nadu, Delhi and Maharashtra ranges between 50 and 55 percentage. Although it comes as a relief when compared to other countries, it is still panicky.

Social distancing has been the need of the hour. Nevertheless, let us not distance ourselves from humanity. There are protocols to treat patients and even protect the environment by disinfecting but how are we going to protect them after their recovery?

Let us practice empathy and treat them with humanity. Vendors and essential suppliers are cutting out on their deliveries due to fear. Although this seems to guard themselves, demands are turned down affecting their business and puts the needy in distress, also depriving their right to life. Cutting out people does not save us from getting infected. Only social distancing does. Not just you and me, everybody deserves a peaceful life throughout and after this pandemic.

Follow up news stories

Media as a platform for communication has diversified over time. Yet agenda-setting characteristic of mass media has not distorted. The purpose of journalism is to keep the public informed and bring issues to light that should be voiced for justice. We are well-informed as there are enormous media platforms including social media to obtain information.

However, media outlets have the privilege to do an in-depth analysis than a commoner. Follow-up news stories is an effective way to provide media attention to news. In most cases, it would help in serving justice.  Let us be reminded of the fifteen-year-old girl who was set ablaze in Villupuram over a property dispute issue. 

Two members of the ruling party were arrested in connection with the case. Video of the girl giving her final statement circulated on the internet widely for a couple of days showcasing trauma she had been through and then we forgot the issue as soon the media reported that two individuals were arrested. Going further, follow-up news would have helped the public know about the conviction. This is how media have been practicing Hypodermic needle theory and agenda-setting theory imposing agendas in our minds, telling us what to think. 

Does this highly serve the purpose of journalism?

When you have power and position

Remember George Floyd?  Recollect how the killing of George Floyd led to outrage around the world, triggering ‘BlackLivesMatter’ movement even on digital media. I put forward the custodial death of a father and a son held in police custody in Tuticorin, Tamil Nadu. They were held in custody by the Sathankulam police and media reports that the duo was allegedly thrashed by police officials.

Do these issues have something in common? Power and position. Abuse and misuse of power have become a normal thing. However, not to forget police encounters in the Hyderabad rape and murder case; also the encounter of Ramkumar involved in the Swati murder case that happened at our prominence. These cases did consist of brutal elements and in the end, we did cherish that justice has been done. Revisiting killing of George Floyd case, investigations were made at various levels, even third world countries spoke about the issue and police officials were charged and sentenced to imprisonment.

Cannot a commoner in India, at least within the state, expect such sentences towards those who abuse their power and put the lives of others in jeopardy beyond just suspension orders and transfers? A serious follow-up by media on such cases would help serve justice, I believe.