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PM POSHAN Scheme: Nutritional Standards for School Children

UPSC / SSC current affairs note · Schemes

Social JusticeEducationHealth and NutritionSchemes

Why in news

The Ministry of Education informed Lok Sabha about the nutritional and food standards under the PM POSHAN Scheme. The NITI Aayog evaluation (2025-26) found the scheme positively impacted children's nutrition and learning outcomes.

Background

PM POSHAN (formerly Mid-Day Meal) is a centrally sponsored scheme providing hot cooked meals to children in government and government-aided schools. Education is in the Concurrent List; implementation is with states/UTs.

Key facts

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  1. Covers children in Bal Vatika (pre-Class 1) and Classes 1-8 in government and government-aided schools.

  2. Provides one hot cooked meal on all school working days.

  3. Nutritional standards per child per day: Primary: 450 calories, 12g protein; Upper Primary: 700 calories, 20g protein.

  4. Food quantity per child per day: Primary: 100g grains, 20g pulses, 50g vegetables, 5g oil/fat; Upper Primary: 150g grains, 30g pulses, 75g vegetables, 7.5g oil/fat.

  5. States/UTs encouraged to use local millets, vegetables, spices and set menus as per local conditions.

  6. 5% of total recurring budget allocated as flexi component for School Nutrition Gardens and supplementary nutrition in identified districts.

  7. NITI Aayog evaluation (2025-26) by a third-party agency found positive impact on nutrition and learning outcomes.

  8. Implementation is in collaboration with state governments and UT administrations.

Prelims pointers

  • PM POSHAN Scheme (formerly Mid-Day Meal Scheme)
  • National Food Security Act, 2013
  • Bal Vatika (pre-Class 1) included
  • Nutritional standards: Primary 450 kcal/12g protein; Upper Primary 700 kcal/20g protein
  • Food norms: Primary 100g grains, 20g pulses, 50g vegetables, 5g oil; Upper Primary 150g grains, 30g pulses, 75g vegetables, 7.5g oil
  • Flexi component: 5% of recurring budget for School Nutrition Gardens and supplementary nutrition
  • Concurrent List subject (Education)
  • NITI Aayog evaluation 2025-26

Mains angles

  • Discuss the role of PM POSHAN in addressing child malnutrition and improving educational outcomes.
  • Critically examine the implementation challenges of the scheme across states.
  • Analyse the significance of including millets and local food in the scheme for nutritional diversity.
PM POSHAN Scheme: Nutritional Standards for School Children — UPSC Schemes · in5points