BHUBANESWAR: The rising prices of essential items has made it difficult for schools in the state to serve midday meals to around 45 lakh students up to Class VIII in government and government-aided schools.
The school and mass education department has urged the Centre to increase the funding for the scheme, which is borne by the state and Union governments on a 40:60 ratio. At present, the state spends Rs 5.42 per meal for primary schoolkids
