What Does Bengal’s Interim Budget Reveal About Mid-Day Meal Scheme Fund Utilization?
Synopsis
Kolkata's recent interim budget sheds light on the alarming underutilization of funds allocated for the midday meal scheme in West Bengal. With only 19.12% of the budget utilized, concerns mount over rising school dropout rates. Discover the implications of these figures and the government's response as they navigate through fiscal challenges.
Key Takeaways
Only 19.12% of the midday meal budget will be utilized this fiscal year.
Budget allocation for 2026-27 reduced to Rs 1,150.90 crore .
Average utilization over three years is 16.96% .
Concerns raised by the Union government about declining student participation.
Potential link to rising school dropout rates.
Kolkata, Feb 9 (NationPress) The disturbing reality of inadequate utilization of funds for the midday meal scheme in West Bengal was highlighted in a specific annexure document from the interim (vote on account) budget. This was presented by the West Bengal Minister of State for finance (independent charge), Chandrima Bhattacharya, during an Assembly session last week.
For the current financial year of 2026-27, the total budgetary allocation for midday meals stands at Rs 1,673.12 crore. Yet, revised estimates for 2025-26 indicate that a mere Rs 320.01 crore (only 19.12 percent) will be spent by March 31, 2026.
The previous two financial years also showed equally troubling figures according to the same budget document annexure.
In the financial year 2024-25, the budget allocation for midday meals was Rs 2,299.30 crore, but the actual expenditure for that year was only Rs 241.96 crore (just 10.52 percent).
During the preceding year of 2023-24, the budget for midday meals was Rs 2,377 crore, while only Rs 515.04 crore (around 21.66 percent) was utilized.
This reveals that the average utilization of the midday meal budget over these three years is a mere 16.96 percent.
Possibly due to this low utilization rate, the West Bengal government has decreased the budget allocation for the financial year 2026-27 to Rs 1,150.90 crore, significantly lower than the figures for 2023-24, 2024-25, and 2025-26.
A state finance department official noted that this budget allocation of Rs 1,150.90 crore for midday meals in 2025-27 may not be the final figure, as it could be revised post the presentation of the full budget by the new state cabinet after the Assembly elections scheduled for this year.
In June 2025, the Union government raised concerns regarding the sharp decline in the number of students participating in the midday meal schemes.
The Union government’s Department of School Education and Literacy has requested a report from the West Bengal government, identifying this decline as a key factor contributing to the rising school dropout rates in the state.
Point of View
It is imperative to note that the underutilization of the midday meal scheme's budget in West Bengal is a significant concern. It not only reflects fiscal mismanagement but also poses a threat to the educational landscape, potentially increasing dropout rates. The government must take immediate action to address these issues and ensure that funds are effectively utilized for the benefit of students.
NationPress
15 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the budget allocation for the midday meal scheme in West Bengal for 2026-27?
The budget allocation for the midday meal scheme in West Bengal for the financial year 2026-27 is Rs 1,673.12 crore.
How much of the budget was utilized in the previous financial year?
In the financial year 2024-25, only Rs 241.96 crore (10.52%) of the budget for the midday meal scheme was utilized.
What is the average utilization rate for the midday meal budget over the last three years?
The average percentage utilization of the midday meal budgetary allocation over the past three financial years is just 16.96%.
Why has the budget for the midday meal scheme been reduced?
The West Bengal government reduced the budget allocation for the midday meal scheme due to low utilization rates in previous years.
What concerns did the Union government express regarding the midday meal scheme?
The Union government expressed concerns about the sharp decline in the number of students availing the midday meal schemes, linking it to increasing school dropout rates.
