Quick answer
PM POSHAN (Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman) is India’s school meal scheme, renamed from the Mid-Day Meal Scheme in 2021. It provides one hot cooked meal on school days to children in Balvatika and Classes 1 to 8 in government and government-aided schools. It aims to improve nutrition, enrolment, and attendance, and it is funded by the centre and states.
- Formerly the Mid-Day Meal Scheme, renamed PM POSHAN in 2021.
- Covers Balvatika and Classes 1 to 8 in government and aided schools.
- One hot cooked meal per school day, with nutrition norms.
- Schools keep daily records of meals served.
How did the school meal scheme begin?
A national programme of nutritional support to primary education began in 1995. A 2001 Supreme Court order directed states to provide cooked meals in government primary schools. The scheme expanded over time and was renamed PM POSHAN in 2021, extending coverage to pre-primary Balvatika classes.
What do children receive under PM POSHAN?
- A hot cooked meal on school days.
- Meals meeting prescribed calorie and protein norms for primary and upper primary levels.
- Local foods and menus that vary through the week, set by states.
- In many places, supplementary items such as eggs, milk, or fruit funded by states.
How do schools run PM POSHAN?
- Receive grains and funds. Food grains and cooking cost are allocated based on enrolment and attendance.
- Cook safely. Cook-cum-helpers prepare meals in a clean kitchen following food safety norms.
- Taste check. A teacher or SMC member tastes the meal before serving.
- Serve. Children eat together; hygiene and handwashing are part of the routine.
- Record. Daily records of children served, grains used, and expenses.
- Report. Data is reported through state and national monitoring systems.
What are Tithi Bhojan and school nutrition gardens?
- Tithi Bhojan: community members provide special meals on festivals or occasions.
- School nutrition gardens: schools grow vegetables and fruit, and students learn about food and nature.
Why do PM POSHAN records matter?
Allocations and audits rely on accurate daily counts. Linking meal counts to attendance records avoids mismatches. A school that records daily attendance digitally, as in an attendance management system, can produce meal counts from the same data. Private schools running their own canteens can see school canteen management.
Frequently asked questions
What is the full form of PM POSHAN?
Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman.
What was PM POSHAN called before?
The Mid-Day Meal Scheme.
Which classes get PM POSHAN meals?
Balvatika (pre-primary) and Classes 1 to 8 in government and government-aided schools.
Is PM POSHAN available in private schools?
No. It covers government and government-aided schools.
Who pays for PM POSHAN?
The central and state governments share the cost.
What is Tithi Bhojan?
A community contribution of special meals on festivals or occasions.
Who checks meal quality?
Teachers and School Management Committee members taste meals, and officials inspect schools.