The latest decision of the Centre not to deprive children, without Aadhaar cards, benefits of Mid-Day Meal is welcomed and said good sense had prevailed, West Bengal Panchayat and Rural Development minister Subrata Mukherjee.

“Despite being late in arriving at the decision, it appears good sense has finally prevailed on the Centre,” Mukherjee said. “It is good that the step to make Aadhaar mandatory immediately has been withdrawn. Food should not have been snatched away from the children in schools in the first place,” Mukherjee said.

The cabinet statement read, “In case of Mid-Day Meal scheme and under the Integrated Child Development Scheme, the schools and Anganwadis have been asked to collect the Aadhaar number of the children beneficiaries and in case a child does not have Aadhaar, the school or ICDS functionary will be required to provide enrolment facilities to a child and till Aadhaar number is assigned, the benefits will continue.”

“Now even infants (0-5 years) will need Aadhaar cards? Aadhaar card for mid-day meals and ICDS? Shocking! 100 Days Work also not spared. Instead of helping the poorest of the poor, the downtrodden and our favorite children, why are their rights being snatched away?,” West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said.

By Premji