Why in the news?

  • Seven States and Union Territories have formally requested the Centre to broaden the scope of the PM-POSHAN scheme in alignment with the National Education Policy (NEP), by adding breakfast to school meals.

PM – POSHAN

  • Launch: It was launched in 2021 by replacing the Mid-Day Meal Scheme.
  • Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Education
  • Objective: To improve the nutritional status of school-going children, enhance enrolment, retention, and attendance, and encourage healthy eating habits among students.
  • Key Features:
    • Coverage: All students of Bal Vatika to Class VIII in Government and Government-aided schools.
    • Meal Provision: One hot cooked meal per school day.
    • Nutritional Norms: 
      • Primary (Class I–V): 450 kcal & 12 g protein
      • Upper Primary (Class VI–VIII): 700 kcal & 20 g protein
    • Financial Assistance: 
      • 90:10 for NE & Himalayan States
      • 60:40 for other States
      • 100% for UTs (without legislature)
    • Infrastructure Support:  
      • Construction/maintenance of kitchen sheds, cooking devices, and utensils.
      • Digitized monitoring through PM POSHAN portal and mobile app.
    • Other features:  
      • Encourages use of local vegetables, millets, pulses, etc.
      • Promotes social equity- meals served to all children without discrimination.
      • Tithi Bhojan: Community participation through voluntary meal contributions.
  • Special provisions:
    • Nutrition Gardens in schools to provide fresh produce.
    • Women’s SHGs and Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) engaged in meal preparation and supply.
    • Millet inclusion in line with the International Year of Millets (2023).
    • Mid-day Meal Rules (2021): Emphasize food safety, quality testing, and school health cards.
  • Expected Outcomes:
    • Improved nutritional and health outcomes.
    • Increased attendance and learning outcomes.
    • Strengthened community ownership and nutrition security for school children.
  • Associated Initiative:
    • POSHAN Abhiyaan (overall nutrition mission).
    • School Health and Wellness Programme under Ayushman Bharat.
    • Eat Right India Movement by FSSAI.

 

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