PM POSHAN Scheme

PM POSHAN is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme that provides a free, hot cooked meal to eligible schoolchildren. It addresses classroom hunger while using nutritional support to strengthen regular attendance, concentration and participation in elementary education.

Core objectives

• The scheme seeks to improve the nutritional status of children studying in covered schools.
• It encourages children from poor and disadvantaged sections to attend school regularly and concentrate on classroom activities.
• It provides nutritional support to elementary-stage children in drought-affected areas during summer vacations.
• A shared meal also promotes socialisation and equality among children from different backgrounds.

Entitlement and coverage

Under Section 5 of the National Food Security Act, 2013, children up to Class VIII in local body, government and government-aided schools are entitled to one free midday meal on every school day except holidays. PM POSHAN covers children in Bal Vatika and Classes I-VIII in government and government-aided schools.

Nutritional standards

The prescribed meal for primary children should provide 450 calories and 12 grams of protein. For upper-primary children, it should provide 700 calories and 20 grams of protein, thereby linking school participation with minimum nutritional support.