Why this matters now
PM POSHAN (mid-day meal) is tested as a flagship education-and-nutrition scheme — its objectives, reach and the double benefit (nutrition + schooling) are GS-2 relevant.
What is PM POSHAN?
The PM POSHAN (Poshan Shakti Nirman) Scheme — the world’s largest school-meal programme — provides one hot cooked meal to children in government and aided schools (classes I–VIII, now extended toward pre-primary/Bal Vatika). It is the rebranded and strengthened Mid-Day Meal Scheme, anchored in the right to food and education.
Objectives and benefits
It addresses classroom hunger and malnutrition, and improves enrolment, attendance and retention — especially for girls and disadvantaged children. It also fosters social equity (children of all backgrounds eat together) and supports women’s employment (cooks). Tithi Bhojan and school nutrition gardens add to it.
Challenges
Challenges include food quality and safety (hygiene), regular fund/grain flow, infrastructure (kitchens), nutritional adequacy (eggs/milk debates), and leakages. The focus is on quality, fortification and convergence with POSHAN and health.
UPSC angle
Know PM POSHAN (rebranded Mid-Day Meal, hot cooked meal, classes I–VIII + Bal Vatika), the dual nutrition + enrolment/retention benefit, and challenges (quality, fund flow).
Frequently asked questions
What is PM POSHAN?
The PM Poshan Shakti Nirman scheme — the rebranded Mid-Day Meal programme providing hot cooked meals to school children.
What are the benefits of the scheme?
It reduces classroom hunger and malnutrition and boosts enrolment, attendance and retention, while promoting social equity.
Which children does PM POSHAN cover?
Children in government and aided schools (classes I–VIII), now extending toward pre-primary (Bal Vatika).
What are the challenges of the scheme?
Food quality and hygiene, regular fund and grain supply, kitchen infrastructure and nutritional adequacy.