Science

Children may be missing out on free school meals as families favor private education, study finds

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Based on a feed excerpt; full article content has not been acquired. Source evidence retrieved 06/11/2026, 00:55:25 UTC.

Briefings

New research indicates that free school meals in India may be inaccessible to children in the poorest families due to a mismatch between the government's support scheme and parents' aspirations for private education. The study suggests that while the scheme exists, its design does not align with what families need to secure their children's future, potentially leaving vulnerable children without essential nutrition support.

Key points

• A new study reveals that free school meals in India may not reach children in the poorest families due to a mismatch between the scheme and parents' aspirations for private education.
• The research highlights that the government's support scheme does not align with what families need to secure their children's future, potentially leaving vulnerable children without essential nutrition support.

Context

This study addresses a critical gap in India's social safety net, where millions of children in the poorest households face barriers to receiving free meals. Understanding this disconnect is essential for policymakers to design more effective interventions that align with family realities and ensure equitable access to basic nutrition.

Limitations

The evidence is limited to a single study published in 2026, which may not capture the full scope of the issue. The research does not provide specific data on the number of affected children, the exact reasons for the mismatch, or long-term outcomes. It also does not specify the geographic regions where this issue is most prevalent.

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