Core objectives and nationwide coverage
PM POSHAN is one of the world's largest school feeding programs, covering millions of children across primary and upper primary classes in government, local body, and government-aided schools.
The program addresses the dual challenges of classroom hunger and childhood undernutrition while incentivizing parents to enroll and retain children in school.
- Target beneficiaries: Children enrolled in pre-primary (Balvatika) and Classes 1 to 8 across all government and aided institutions.
- Nutritional support: Providing hot cooked meals containing prescribed energy, protein, and essential micronutrient levels.
- Social harmony: Fostering equality as children of diverse social and economic backgrounds sit and eat together.
Nutritional standards and food grain allocation
The scheme prescribes specific nutritional and caloric standards tailored separately for primary (Classes 1-5) and upper primary (Classes 6-8) students.
Food grains (rice and wheat) are allocated free of cost by the central government via the Food Corporation of India (FCI), alongside cooking cost assistance.
- Primary level: Minimum 450 calories and 12 grams of protein per child per school day.
- Upper primary level: Minimum 700 calories and 20 grams of protein per child per school day.
- Ingredients: Fortified food grains, pulses, green leafy vegetables, edible oils, and condiments.
- School Nutrition Gardens: Encouraging schools to grow fresh vegetables and herbs on campus to enrich meal nutrition.
Monitoring mechanisms and kitchen hygiene standards
Strict monitoring guidelines are established to maintain kitchen cleanliness, food quality, and child safety across school preparation centers.
Community participation is leveraged through School Management Committees (SMCs), mothers' groups, and automated daily SMS attendance reporting systems.
- Daily tasting: Mandatory food tasting by one teacher and one SMC parent member before serving students.
- Kitchen infrastructure: Construction of dedicated kitchen-cum-stores and provision of modern cooking devices.
- Automated reporting: Real-time daily tracking of meals served through automated mobile SMS systems.
Official source
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PM POSHAN, Ministry of Education ↗Related on KisanPe
Common questions
What is the current official name of the Mid-Day Meal Scheme?
The Mid-Day Meal Scheme is officially designated as Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman (PM POSHAN).
Which classes of school students are covered under PM POSHAN?
It covers children studying in Balvatika (pre-primary) and Classes 1 through 8 in government and government-aided schools.
What nutritional standards are mandated for meals under the scheme?
Primary meals must provide at least 450 calories and 12g protein; upper primary meals must provide at least 700 calories and 20g protein.
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