Introducing Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman (PM POSHAN): Encouraging India’s Youth

The Indian Central Government launched the Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman (PM POSHAN) project to prioritize the health and welfare of the nation’s youth. Through proper nutrition, this program seeks to guarantee a healthy life for kids all around the nation, particularly those whose families are struggling financially. Understanding that a healthy body leads to a healthy mind, PM POSHAN concentrates on tackling malnutrition, a serious problem that has an impact on the country’s future, especially its youth. Let’s examine PM POSHAN in more detail. Launched on March 8, 2018, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, it is a comprehensive initiative to address malnutrition across the country.

Concerning PM POSHAN, Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman

Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman (PM POSHAN), formerly known as the National Programme of Mid-Day Meals in Schools, is a flagship programme launched by the Indian government for the comprehensive development of the country. With its roots in Article 21 of the Indian Constitution, which guarantees everyone the right to a decent existence with access to sufficient nourishment, PM POSHAN seeks to improve the nutritional standing of students in classes I through VIII at qualifying schools. This federally funded program, which is part of the Food Security Act of 2013 (NFSA), aims to give kids the nutrition they need to promote their physical and mental development and build a solid foundation for the future.

The main goals of the PM POSHAN Scheme, which was previously called the Mid-Day Meal Scheme, are to alleviate hunger and education, which are two important problems that affect most children in India. The program’s objectives are to increase the nutritional quality of qualified students in government and government-aided schools, encourage consistent attendance among economically disadvantaged children, and raise their level of participation in class activities. Furthermore, PM POSHAN provides summertime nutritional assistance to elementary-aged children in disaster- and drought-affected areas, guaranteeing that vulnerable groups eat enough food even in difficult situations.

The Ministry of Education is in charge of putting the program into action. It requires that hot meals be served to kids in pre-schools, Bal Vatika (prior to class I) in primary schools, and classes I through VIII in all 11.20 lakh schools in the country. Notably, PM POSHAN offers its benefits to all eligible children without honor, overcoming economic and gender challenges in the process.

The program describes daily nutritional requirements for each child that include calorie consumption, protein needs, and food guidelines that include whole grains, pulses, veggies, and necessary condiments. In addition, PM POSHAN highlights the government’s dedication to supporting the holistic growth of India’s youth and stresses the role that nutrition plays in creating a healthier and more prosperous generation of future Indians.

LevelCaloriePortion (in grams)
Primary45020
Upper Primary70040
LevelFood Grains (in grams)Pulses (in grams)Vegetables (in grams)Oil & Fats (in grams)Salts & Condiments
Primary10020505As per need
Upper Primary15030757.5As per need

Food Grains Distribution: The PM Poshan Scheme ensures the provision of food grains to schoolchildren at the rate of 100 grams per child for primary and 150 grams for upper primary students per school day, adhering to the NFSA rates of ₹1 per kg for coarse grains, ₹2 per kg for wheat, and ₹3 per kg for rice.

Cooking Cost: Covering the cost of ingredients like pulses, vegetables, cooking oil, condiments, and fuel, the per-child per-day cooking cost is ₹4.97 for primary and ₹7.45 for upper primary, effective from April 1, 2020.

Honorarium to Cook-cum-Helpers: A monthly honorarium of ₹1000 for 10 months in a year is allocated to cook-cum-helpers involved in preparing meals for the children.

Transportation Assistance: States receive assistance at PDS rates for transporting food grains from FCI godowns to school doorsteps, capped at ₹1500 per MT, excluding certain regions.

Management, Monitoring, and Evaluation (MME): A 3% allocation of the aggregate cost covers food grains, cooking, honorarium, and transportation, ensuring effective oversight and implementation.

Provision during Summer Vacations: Special provision is made for providing meals during summer vacations in drought- or disaster-affected areas, ensuring continuous support for children even during breaks.

Infrastructure Support: This includes the construction of kitchen-cum-stores based on plinth area norms and the State Schedule of Rates, with additional space for increased student enrollment, enhancing the infrastructure for meal preparation.

Kitchen Devices: The provision of kitchen devices is linked with school enrollment, ensuring that schools have the necessary equipment for cooking and serving meals.

Repair of Kitchen-cum-Stores: An allocation of ₹10,000 per unit supports the repair of kitchen-cum-stores constructed a decade ago, ensuring that existing infrastructure remains functional and well-maintained.

Fortification of Food Items: Food items are fortified systematically through the Food Corporation of India (FCI), enhancing their nutritional value and ensuring children receive adequate nutrients.

Innovation/Flexibility Component: Five percent of the total cost is allocated for innovation and flexibility, allowing for adaptation to local needs and circumstances without separate budgetary support.

Meal Provision for Preparatory Classes: Aligning with the National Education Policy, the scheme encompasses the provision of meals to preparatory classes, or Balvatika, in primary schools as covered in Samagra Shiksha, ensuring comprehensive coverage across educational stages.

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