Education is the tool for the development of any society and it is a social investment for the future. The quality of education system in India and the process, by which it is delivered, especially at the elementary level, are not what is expected of it. This is precisely the reason for dropout rates being increased year by year in government schools. The introduction of mid-day meal scheme in school have played a vital role in retention of students to a large extend. This paper will highlight the services provided by the government in schools and how effective (role played) mid day meal scheme in the enrolment and retention of students.