Why in the News?

The material cost for the PM-POSHAN (Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman) Scheme has been increased by 9.5%, resulting in an additional cost of ₹954 crore to be incurred by the Centre in the 2025-26 financial year.

About PM-POSHAN Scheme:

• The PM-POSHAN Scheme, formerly known as the Mid-Day Meal Scheme, is a centrally sponsored initiative aimed at providing a hot, cooked meal to children studying in government and government-aided schools across India.
• Launched under the Ministry of Education, it focuses on improving children’s nutritional status, school participation, retention, and attendance.
• The scheme complements POSHAN Abhiyan and Mission POSHAN 2.0 to improve nutrition among children and mothers.

Key Features:

• Target Group: It serves 11.20 crore children in Balvatikas (pre-primary classes) and Classes 1-8 in 10.36 lakh schools. Special focus is placed on disadvantaged children from low-income backgrounds.
• Nutritional Goals: The scheme provides balanced meals to meet children’s nutritional needs.
  1. Primary Students: 20g pulses, 50g vegetables, 5g oil.
  2. Upper Primary Students: 30g pulses, 75g vegetables, 7.5g oil.
• Model: The Centre provides 100% funding for food grains through the Food Corporation of India (FCI), while States contribute to meal implementation.
• Funding Pattern:
  • 60:40 between Centre and States/UTs with the legislature.
  • 90:10 for Northeastern and Himalayan States.
  • 100% central funding for UTs without legislature.
• 26 lakh metric tonnes of food grains are provided annually, with transportation costs covered by the Centre.
• It also has a component to promote the development of School Nutrition Gardens in schools
• Social Audit of the scheme is made mandatory in all the districts.

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