PM POSHAN (Poshan Shakti Nirman) Scheme

The central government has increased the material cost for mid-day meals provided under the PM POSHAN scheme by 9.5%, aiming to enhance the nutritional value of meals served to schoolchildren.

About the Scheme

1. Implementing Ministry: The scheme is administered by the Ministry of Education, Government of India.
2. Primary Objective: PM POSHAN seeks to improve the nutritional status of children and encourage school attendance by offering wholesome, hot-cooked meals. It targets the dual goals of tackling classroom hunger and promoting universal education.
3. Coverage: The scheme provides hot cooked meals to over 11 crore children enrolled in Balvatika (pre-primary classes) and Classes 1 to 8 in government and government-aided schools across the country.
4. Scheme Duration: PM POSHAN is active for the period 2021-22 to 2025-26.

Key Features

1. Balvatika Inclusion:
   The scheme now covers pre-school children, ensuring that even those in Balvatikas (before Class 1) receive nutritious, hot meals.
2. Tithi Bhojan Initiative:
   This unique community participation programme invites individuals and groups to contribute special meals on festive or special occasions, enhancing community engagement in child welfare.
3. Focus on Vulnerable Regions:
   Special nutritional provisions are made for:
   1. Aspirational districts, and
   2. Areas with a high prevalence of anemia,
      where children receive supplementary nutrition items to combat malnutrition and related health issues.