Analysing the state government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic: Case of Mid Day Meals

This study systematically analysed state government responses to the disruption of Mid-day Meal program during COVID-19 lockdown. Focusing on 13 states — Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Manipur, Odisha, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal — the research examined 52 government orders, notifications, and guidelines issued between March and September 2020.

I led this project as part of KMIC (a partnership between IIM Ahmedabad and UNICEF Gujarat) between July and December 2020, supervising two interns in collecting government announcements across states. I developed an analytical framework examining transparency and accountability in state responses, analysed all documents, and authored the report.

The analysis revealed significant variations in how states approached provision in lieu of meals — from timing of orders and distribution mechanisms to communication with parents and clarity of implementation processes. The report offered recommendations on distribution planning, ensuring inclusion of vulnerable children, clarifying administrative roles, and establishing two-way communication channels. It was designed as an advocacy document for UNICEF’s engagement with state governments.