Central Government has notified 'Mid Day Meal (MDM) Rules, 2015 under the Food Security Act. The rules were finalised after consultation with the States and other related Central Ministries. <br/><br/>The rules provide for temporary utilization of other funds available with the school for MDM in case school exhausts funds meant for meal for any reason. Under it, food security allowance will be paid to beneficiaries in case of non-supply of meal for specified reasons. <br/><br/>Monthly testing of meals on random basis by accredited Labs to check its quality has also been provided in the rules. State governments will fix responsibility on the person or agency if meals are not provided on 3 consecutive school days or five days in a month.<br/><br/>Every child within the age group of six to fourteen years studying in classes I to VIII shall be provided hot cooked meal having nutritional standards. Schools shall have the facility for cooking meal in hygienic manner. <br/><br/>However, schools in urban area may use the facility of centralised kitchens for cooking meals wherever required.