PM-POSHAN Scheme Enhances Midday Meal Costs

The Indian Ministry of Education announced a 9.5% increase in the material cost for the PM-POSHAN scheme. This adjustment will lead to an additional expenditure of ₹954 crore for the financial year 2025-26. The scheme aims to provide nutritional support to schoolchildren and enhance their participation in education.

PM-POSHAN Scheme

The PM-POSHAN scheme is a Centrally sponsored initiative. It serves hot cooked meals to 11.20 crore students across 10.36 lakh government and government-aided schools. The programme targets students in balvatikas and Classes 1 to 8. It aims to improve nutrition and encourage school attendance.

Cost Structure of Meals

With the new adjustments, the material cost per student per day will change. For balvatika and primary school students, the cost rises from ₹6.19 to ₹6.78. For upper primary students, it increases from ₹9.29 to ₹10.17. These costs are the minimum mandatory rates, allowing states and Union Territories to contribute more if they choose.

Nutritional Guidelines

The nutritional support under PM-POSHAN is specific. Balvatika and primary students require 20g of pulses, 50g of vegetables, and 5g of oil. Upper primary students need 30g of pulses, 75g of vegetables, and 7.5g of oil. These guidelines ensure students receive adequate nutrition.

Inflation and Cost Monitoring

The Labour Bureau of the Ministry of Labour monitors inflation related to the PM-POSHAN scheme. It uses the Consumer Price Index for Rural Labourers (CPI-RL) to assess price changes for essential items. This index is compiled based on data from 600 villages across 20 states.

Food Grain Provisioning

The Centre plays role in food grain provision. It supplies about 26 lakh metric tonnes of food grains via the Food Corporation of India. The government covers 100% of the food grain costs, including a subsidy of approximately ₹9,000 crore annually. Transportation costs are also fully covered.

Total Meal Cost

After factoring in all components, the total cost per meal is approximately ₹12.13 for balvatika and primary classes. For upper primary classes, the cost is around ₹17.62. This comprehensive approach ensures that students receive nutritious meals daily.

Impact on Education

The PM-POSHAN scheme is crucial for improving educational outcomes. By providing nutritious meals, it aims to increase school attendance and retention rates. The scheme is a vital component of India’s strategy to enhance educational participation among children.

Future Implications

The increase in costs reflects the government’s commitment to improving nutrition among students. It also marks the ongoing challenges of inflation and resource allocation in educational schemes. The PM-POSHAN scheme continues to evolve to meet the needs of the student population.

Questions for UPSC:

1. Discuss the significance of nutritional support in enhancing educational outcomes in India.
2. Critically examine the role of the PM-POSHAN scheme in addressing child malnutrition in India.
3. What are the key components of the PM-POSHAN scheme? How do they contribute to its objectives?
4. Explain the methodology used by the Labour Bureau for monitoring inflation related to the PM-POSHAN scheme. Discuss its importance.

Answer Hints:

1. Discuss the significance of nutritional support in enhancing educational outcomes in India.

1. Nutritional support improves cognitive function, leading to better academic performance.
2. It reduces absenteeism, as well-nourished children are less likely to miss school.
3. Healthy meals contribute to physical growth and development, which is crucial for learning.
4. Programs like PM-POSHAN help create a conducive learning environment by keeping students engaged and focused.
5. Overall, nutritional support promotes equity in education by ensuring all children, regardless of background, receive necessary sustenance.

2. Critically examine the role of the PM-POSHAN scheme in addressing child malnutrition in India.

1. PM-POSHAN provides hot cooked meals, directly addressing hunger and nutritional deficiencies.
2. The scheme targets vulnerable populations, ensuring that children from low-income families receive adequate nutrition.
3. It incorporates specific nutritional guidelines to meet the dietary needs of different age groups.
4. Increased meal costs reflect a commitment to improving food quality and nutritional value.
5. However, challenges remain in implementation, such as ensuring consistent quality and reaching all intended beneficiaries.

3. What are the key components of the PM-POSHAN scheme? How do they contribute to its objectives?

1. Provision of hot cooked meals to students in government and aided schools enhances daily nutrition.
2. Material cost adjustments ensure that the nutritional quality of meals is maintained.
3. State and UT flexibility allows for additional contributions, improving meal quality.
4. Monitoring through the Labour Bureau ensures that inflation does not compromise meal standards.
5. The scheme’s focus on attendance and participation aims to improve overall educational outcomes.

4. Explain the methodology used by the Labour Bureau for monitoring inflation related to the PM-POSHAN scheme. Discuss its importance.

1. The Labour Bureau uses the Consumer Price Index for Rural Labourers (CPI-RL) to track price changes.
2. Data is collected from a sample of 600 villages across 20 states, providing a comprehensive view of rural inflation.
3. This methodology helps identify trends in food prices that impact the PM-POSHAN scheme’s budgeting.
4. Regular monitoring ensures that meal costs remain aligned with current economic conditions.
5. Accurate inflation data is crucial for resource allocation and maintaining the nutritional quality of meals.