The Government has approved the Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman (PM POSHAN) scheme, earlier known as the Mid-Day Meal Scheme, to provide hot cooked meals to students in Government and Government-aided schools. The scheme runs from 2021-22 to 2025-26 and is managed by the Ministry of Education.
Key Features of PM POSHAN:
- Inclusion of Pre-school Children: Hot meals are now provided to children in
- pre-schools (Balvatika) and students in Classes I to VIII.Tithi Bhojan: Community members can provide special meals for children on
festivals or special occasions. - School Nutrition Gardens: Schools are encouraged to develop gardens where
students can learn about nature and gardening. - Social Audit: Regular monitoring of the scheme is mandatory in all districts to
ensure fairness and effective spending. - Vocal for Local: Schools are encouraged to use locally grown food like millets and
vegetables to support local farmers and improve nutrition. - Special Focus Areas: Extra nutrition is provided in districts with high malnutrition
rates, tribal districts, and aspirational districts. - Disaster Management: During school closures due to disasters, hot meals or food
allowances will be provided to children.
Ensuring Quality and Safety:
- Meals must meet nutrition standards and be prepared with branded,
Agmark-certified ingredients. - Cook-cum-helpers receive proper training.
- Meals are tasted by members of the School Management Committee, including
teachers, before being served.
Detailed guidelines for quality and hygiene are available on the official website: pmposhan.education.gov.in.
The scheme aims to ensure nutritious meals for children while promoting community
involvement and local economic development.
