The Centre has decided that it would not reimburse the states for unsubsidised LPG cylinders used for Mid-Day Meal scheme. The cooking gas would now be available only at market price. Some states are planning to send representation to the HRD Ministry in view of the additional financial burden of Mid-Day Meal, the move that would have on their coffers.<br/><br/>According to a recent communication from the Ministry, the additional expenditure to be incurred by the states for procurement of unsubsidised LPG cylinders will not be reimbursed to the states with effect from April 1, 2015.<br/><br/>The decision followed a Finance Ministry directive in May that LPG cylinders procured for Mid-Day Meal purpose would now be available at market price only.<br/><br/>Earlier, the central government reduced allocation for the flagship programme by 30 per cent in this year's budget.<br/><br/>Under the scheme, hot cooked meals are served every day to 10 crore children studying in Classes I to VIII in 11.67 lakh government and government-aided schools across the country. The Centre bears 90 per cent of the cost in the North-East region and 75 per cent in the rest of the country.<br/><br/>While the budget allocation for the scheme was Rs 13,000 crore in 2014-15, the allocation had come down to only Rs 9,000 crore in 2015-16.