PM POSHAN Scheme: Nutritional Equivalence of Options
UPSC / SSC current affairs note · Polity
Why in news
The Ministry of Education recently informed Lok Sabha about the nutritional equivalence of options under the PM POSHAN scheme. This update is relevant for understanding the scheme's implementation and standards.
Background
PM POSHAN (formerly Mid-Day Meal) is a centrally sponsored scheme providing hot cooked meals to school children. Education is in the Concurrent List, and states/UTs are responsible for implementation.
Key facts
PM POSHAN provides one hot cooked meal every working day to all eligible children in Bal Vatika and classes 1 to 8 in government and government-aided schools.
Nutritional standards per child per day: Primary classes - 450 calories, 12g protein; Upper primary - 700 calories, 20g protein.
Food norms per child per day: Primary - 100g food grains, 20g dal, 50g vegetables, 5g oil/fat; Upper primary - 150g food grains, 30g dal, 75g vegetables, 7.5g oil/fat.
States/UTs can set menus within prescribed standards and are encouraged to procure local foods like millets, vegetables, spices.
States/UTs can use up to 5% of total recurring budget as flexi component for School Nutrition Gardens (SNG) and supplementary nutrition interventions in identified districts.
Many states/UTs provide additional supplementary nutrition considering local food habits and cultural preferences.
Implementation is done in collaboration with state governments and UT administrations.
Standards are as per National Food Security Act, 2013 and scheme guidelines.
Prelims pointers
- PM POSHAN scheme
- National Food Security Act, 2013
- Bal Vatika
- School Nutrition Gardens (SNG)
- Concurrent List (Education)
- Lok Sabha
- Ministry of Education
- Nutritional standards: 450/700 calories, 12/20g protein
Mains angles
- Discuss the role of PM POSHAN in addressing child nutrition and education outcomes.
- Critically examine the implementation challenges of PM POSHAN in states/UTs.
- Analyze the significance of flexi component and School Nutrition Gardens in promoting local food systems.