Rs 658 Crore Budget Approved For PM Poshan Scheme To Upgrade Mid-Day Meals

The State Level Steering and Monitoring Committee for the Mid-Day Meal Scheme, renamed PM POSHAN, held a meeting under the leadership of Chief Secretary Sanjeev Kaushal. During the meeting, a budget of Rs 658 crore for 2024–25 was approved. It includes Rs 457.26 crore from the states and Rs 200.74 crore from the Centre, indicating a greater emphasis on effective implementation and improved nutritional offerings.

Chief Secretary Kaushal emphasised the need for special attention towards better implementation and utilisation of the PM Poshan Scheme. This is to ensure that children receive nutritious and protein-rich food. He has urged officials to study the best practices from other states and implement strategies that provide children with well-rounded protein and healthy meals.

The primary goals of the scheme are to increase enrollment and attendance, improve the nutritional status of primary school students, and promote the universality of primary education.

He emphasised the revamped menu, featuring dishes like parantha with curd, nutritious bajra chana, vegetable pulao, and Khichdi, ensuring taste and nutritional adequacy.

Kaushal disclosed that the PM Nutrition Scheme, executed by the School Education Department, operates in 14,253 schools, including 8,671 primary schools and 5,582 upper primary schools in the state. Initially, the central government had set an honorarium of Rs 1,000 for cook-cum-helpers, with Rs 600 from the central share and Rs 400 from the state's share.

However, the state governments have now revised their honorarium to Rs 7,000. This substantial increase, with the states contributing Rs 6,400 and the centre contributing Rs 600, underscores a commitment to the well-being of workers in the mid-day meal programme.