Enhancement of ‘Material Cost’ under the Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman (PM POSHAN) Scheme

The Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman (PM POSHAN) Scheme, a centrally sponsored initiative, provides hot, cooked meals to approximately 11.7 crore students studying in Balvatika and classes I to VIII across 10.24 lakh government and government-aided schools on every school day. The scheme’s primary goal is to ensure nutritional support for students while encouraging their regular attendance and participation in school activities.

As part of the PM POSHAN Scheme, the government has provided a set amount for the ‘Material Cost,’ which covers the procurement of essential ingredients for meal preparation. These ingredients and the required quantities per student, based on their grade level, are as follows:

• Pulses: 20 grams per student in Balvatika & Primary, 30 grams per student in Upper Primary
• Vegetables: 50 grams per student in Balvatika & Primary, 75 grams per student in Upper Primary
• Oil: 5 grams per student in all grades

These provisions aim to ensure that students receive a nutritious and balanced meal during school hours, contributing to their overall well-being and supporting their academic participation. The enhancement in material cost reflects the government’s commitment to improving the quality of meals and nutritional support provided to students under this important scheme.