Interviewer instructions
Columns (10), (11), (12), (13) and (14): number of meals taken during last 30 days: It is important to note that the entries are to be made in these columns depending on the place from where food is served irrespective of where it is consumed.
Columns (10), (11) and (12) pertain to meals taken away from home without payment. Number of meals taken outside home on payment and at home during last 30 days preceding the date of survey, for each member of the household will be recorded against columns (13) and (14). There are schools/balwadis, etc. which provide standard food to all or some students as midday meal, tiffin, etc. free or at subsidised rate. Such meals are to be considered as meals taken away from home. If such food is received free it will be recorded in column (10). Meals received at subsidised rate will be recorded in column (13). There are institutions which provide canteen facilities to their students. Students can purchase food of their choice and to their requirements from these canteens on payment. In such cases also entry will be made in column (13).
Sometimes meals are provided by the employer. These may be as perquisites or as part of wages in kind. These meals are generally consumed at the place of work and are to be considered as meals taken away from home. It may not be rare that meals provided by the employer are brought home by the employees and consumed there. Such meals are also to be considered as meals taken away from home. In column (11), the number of such meals received and consumed during the reference period by an individual member will be recorded. Similarly meals consumed as guests in other households, will also be taken into account while making entries in column (12). For the purpose of making entry in column (13), 'meals received on payment' will mean that the informant has to incur some expense or part with a certain portion of his salary/wage for getting the meals. Meals purchased from hotel, restaurant or eating-house will be considered as 'meals taken away from home on payment' and will have to be counted also for making entry in column (13). Hostel students receiving meals from the hostel mess against meal charges will also be considered as taking meals away from home on payment. Meals taken away from home during the days of absence from the household should also be accounted in making entries in these columns. Such meals are to be accounted under either of the columns (10) to (12) or (13).
In column (14), the number of meals taken at home by each member of the household during the period of 30 days preceding the date of survey will be recorded. A meal will be considered to be taken at home if the meal is prepared at home irrespective of the place where it is consumed.