Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman Scheme

Current Context :  Recently, the central government has revised the prices of food items provided to children under the Pradhan Mantri Poshan Yojana.

About Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman Scheme:

• Formerly known as the Mid-Day Meal Scheme; renamed in September 2021.
• Aims to improve child nutrition, enhance school attendance, and tackle hunger.

Coverage:

• Applicable to Balvatika (pre-primary) and Classes I-VIII in government and aided schools.
• Benefits ~11.8 crore students in ~11.2 lakh schools.

Nutrition Standards:

• Primary students: 450 calories and 12g protein per meal.
• Upper Primary students: 700 calories and 20g protein per meal.

Recent changes:

• Cooking costs increased by 13.7% to adjust for inflation (2023).
• ₹54,062 crore allocated for 2021-2026 under the central share.

Special Features:

• Food Security Allowance: Provided during COVID-19 school closures and summer vacations.
• School Nutrition Gardens (SNGs):Promote sustainable food production and learning.

Nodal Ministry :  Implemented by the Ministry of Education.